I -xy.CZ 7. : , ;;;:; r " 




T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS faeaKligxl CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List off Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. 
Price 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2y 2 hrs (25c) 8 8 

Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 15 

After the Game, 2 acts, 1*4 

hrs. (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 4 4 

All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (25c) 6 10 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 2 l / 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2y 2 hrs (25c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2V A hrs (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 h. (25c) 9 3 
Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, \Y\ hrs. 

(25c) 17 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2 l /± 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 

Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2%, h. (25c) 7 4 
Civil Service, 3 acts, 2% hrs. 

(25c) 6 5 

College Town, 3 acts, 2*4 

hrs. (25c) 9 8 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs.. 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 2 J4 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2*4 hrs. 

(25c) 5 5 

Deacon Entangled > 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2 T /£ 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 2*4 hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 
Enchanted V^oooV 1 }i h.(35c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, *3 acti, 1^2 h. (25c) 7 6 
Face at the \\Mntlow, 3 acts, 2 

hrs. ..!•. (25c) 4 4 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

iy 2 hrs {25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Iloetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 

2 hrs. (25c) 3 5 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2V> 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 



M. i\ 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 

hrs (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5 4 
Jayville Junction, iy 2 hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 

214 hrs (25c) 10 9 

Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c; 6 12 

Laughing Cure, 2 acts, 1H hrs. 

(25c) 4 5 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2% h. .(25c) 9 4 
Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2*4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr. (25c) 13 
Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Mirandy's Minstrels. ... (25c) Optnl. 
Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 

acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 4 7 

New Woman, 3 acts 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, \y 2 hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

\% hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Plorn, 4 acts, 

2V 2 hrs (25c) 10 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 
Parlor Matches, 2 acts, \y 2 hrs. 

(25c) 4 5 

Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2y 2 h. (25c) 7 4 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2' i 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

Savageland, 2 acts, 2^ hrs. (50c) 5 5 
School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1^4 hrs. 6 5 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 
Sewing for the Heathen, 40 min. 9 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts. 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Star Bright, 3 acts, 2y 2 h. (25c) 6 5 
Teacher, Kin I Go Home? 2 

scenes, 35 min 7 3 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c^ 6 4 

Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2 1 £ 

hrs (25c) 16 

Tonv, the Convict, 5 acts, J 1 .. 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2'i 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2$4 hrs. 

(25c) 6 18 

Trip to Storvland, 1 M hrs.(25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 8 3 
ruder Blue Skies, 4 Rets, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town, 3 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 5 3 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers ,154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



' GOOD THINGS 
FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

A COMPLETE ENTERTAINER 

CONTAINING 

RECITATIONS, MONOLOGUES, DIALOGUES, EXER- 
CISES, DRILLS, TABLEAUX AND PLAYS— FOR 
MISSIONARY DAY, MOTHER'S DAY, CHIL- 
DREN'S DAY, TEMPERANCE DAY, DONA- 
TION DAY, EASTER, CHRISTMAS, HAR- 
VEST HOME AND THANKSGIVING 



MARY MODENA BURNS, A. M. 

u 

AUTHOR OF 

'Her Honor, the Mayor" "Educational Exercises" etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



~~pY 



Zj 



2 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 



5'.: 






COPYRIGHT, 1916 

BY 

EBEN H. NORRIS 



p:- 



©CIA446228 0~ 

NOV -6 1916 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Advertising Maids 40 

Exercise for the larger girls to display donations 
from merchants, or to serve as a medium for paid 
advertisements. 

Advice to a Young Man 105 

Recitation. 

Anniversary Speech 96 

Recitation for church or school anniversary. 

An Appeal 94 

Short oration for Minister or Superintendent. 

Ask and Ye Shall Receive 107 

Recitation. 

The Beautiful Story of Ruth the Gleaner 13 

Biblical dialogue. Adult class. 

The Call to Arms 71 

Missionary dialogue in verse. 

The Canny Little Cans 37 

Exercise for primary pupils. Very humorous. 

The Carpenter's Daughter. 28 

Sunday School dialogue for young girls. 

The Cheerful Givers 34 

Complete program for a donation exercise. Entire 
school. 

A Chinese Boy 90 

Missionary recitation in costume for a boy. 

Christian Endeavor Drill 108 

Drill and song for sixteen adults. 

Dinna Chide 98 

Recitation for Mother's Day. 

3 



4 GOOD THIXGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

An Easter Bonnet 104 

Recitation for a little girl wearing a bonnet as 
described. 

Easter Flowers 113 

Easter exercise for an entire Sunday School. A 
new idea. 

Epwortli League Drill 109 

The Fairy in the Well 24 

Temperance rhymes for 4 little girls. 

The First Christmas 139 

A beautiful biblical dialogue for 7 men, 3 women 
and an angelic chorus. An ancient mystery play. 

The Giddy Gaudy Autumn Leaves 132 

Song and drill for 12 girls. 

The Growth of the Lilies 7 

Dialogue and drill for Children's Bay, Easter or 
Arbor Day. 9 boys and 9 girls. 

Happy Greeting to All 35 

Opening song. 

In the Palace of the King 54 

Moral costume dialogue. 6 young ladies. 

Is It Nothing to You? 93 

Missionary dialogue in verse. 5 young ladies. 

Japanese Cherry Blossoms 91 

Drill and concert recitation. 12 girls. 

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas 102 

Child y 8 recitation. 

The Light in. Africa 81 

Missionary j exercise. 

The Light in China and Japan 89 

Boys and girls in costume. 

The Light in the Darkness 86 

Song and tableau. Boys. 

The Light in India 86 

Exercise and song. Older girls. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 5 

The Light of America 65 

Moral dialogue in verse. Young men and women. 

The Light of the Candle 64 

Complete missionary exercise for entire school. 

A Little Boy's Wonder 101 

Eecitation for a small boy for Children's Day. 

Little Grandmas 50 

Dialogue and hymn for little girls. 

The Little Helper * 39 

Beading with tableaux. 

The Little Light Bearers 76 

Primary exercise. 

Little Miss Lonesome 120 

Harvest Home entertainment for entire school. 

March of the Chinese Kites 89 

Drill for 12 boys. 

Market Maids and Grocery Clerks 47 

Operetta for boys and girls. 

The Merry Millers 42 

Exercise for young men and 1 little girl. 

The Missionary Hen 80 

Recitation. 

Missionary Song 95 

Teaching the need of missionary work. 

My Mother's Bible 105 

Recitation. 

A Nickel to the Lord 112 

Recitation, teaching the lesson of generosity. 

A Plea from Africa 83 

Costume recitation for lady. Dramatic. 

Questions About Women 103 

For a class of girls. 

The Eich Old Maid 135 

Thanksgiving monologue for lady. Humorous. 



6 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

A Santa Claus Monologue 137 

What Santa says when he gives the presents. 

Seven Little Punkin Heads 130 

Drill for 7 little boys. 

The Silver Grays 110 

Complete program for the old folks. 

The Spickety Span Family 43 

Novel monologue introducing several dummies. 

Suppose 97 

Recitation for Children's Day. 

A Teacher's Birthday 112 

A recitation of congratulation. 

A Temperance Victory 16 

Temperance play for entire school. 

Tribute to Mother 106 

Recitation for Mother's Day. 

Try, Try Again 100 

Recitation for Children 's Day. 

Valedictory 101 

Closing speech for small boy or girl. 

Welcome, One and All 99 

Opening recitation. 

What a Boy Can Do 102 

Recitation for Children's Day. 

What to Drink 102 

Temperance recitation for a child. 

The Zulus 82 

Novelty drill for 12 boys. 

Note. — The music called for in this book may be 
found, for the most part, in "The Golden Book of 
Favorite Songs," which we will send postpaid upon 
receipt of price, 15 cents. All are old airs familiar to 
every one. 



Good Things for Sunday Schools 



THE GROWTH OF THE LILIES. 

For Children's Day, Arbor Day or Easter. 
Drilf for Nine Boys and Nine Girls. 

CHARACTERS. 

The Bulbs, five boys dressed in brown burlap 
padded with pillows to make them look very fat, shape 
costumes something like bulbs. Each wears .a long, 
high pointed hat of bright green, indicating a shoot 
from the bulb. 

The Farmers, four larger boys dressed in overalls, 
tattered straw hats, bandana handkerchiefs and car- 
rying rakes. 

Farmer Girls, four large girls dressed in all-over 
aprons, sunbonnets, bandana handkerchiefs and car- 
rying tin watering pots. 

The Lilies, five girls dressed in white. Over this 
are white paper petals wired to imitate Easter lily. 
Hair hanging in curls. Easter lilies form crown. 

For the arrangement of the stage procure five 
(> flower pots" made of large pasteboard boxes easily 
obtained from a large grocery store. Cover these 
boxes with red paper. Note : The boxes must be 
large enough to contain the Bulbs, but the Lilies stand 
behind the boxes. The boxes have no backs. 

When curtain rises the stage is bare, but five flower 
pots stand in an orderly row at the rear. Enter from 
left near audience the Five Bulbs. They walk in in 
time to music, "John Brown's Body" and zvalk in very 
close rank, each boy's arm on the shoulder of the boy 
in front, walking very close together. They march 

7 



8 COOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

once around stage, then line up in front and speak in 

unison : 

The Bulbs — 

Little fat bulbs of a brownish hue, 
Laughing in the sunshine, jumping in the dew, 
Having lots of fun and never feeling blue, 
We're little lily bulbs. 
{Music again resumed. The bulbs play leap-frog or 
skin-the-cat in time to the music. Then line up at 
front as before.) 
First Bulb (recites to music) — 

All the little lily bulbs do just as they please 
Until the gardener catches us, then it's an awful 

squeeze 
To get into the flower pots, so tight we cannot 
sneeze. 

We're little lily bulbs. 
Second Bulb — 

Come on, my little Billy and little Sammy, too, 
It's getting kind of cold out here, now listen, all 

of you, 
We'd better jump into our holes, so that's what 
we will do, 

The little lily bulbs. 
Third Bulb — 

Oh, I don't want to go to bed, I'm having too 

much fun, 
And if the gardener chases me, you bet I'm going 

to run, 
There is no use in sleeping till the day's work is 
done, 

My little lily bulbs. 
Fourth Bulb — 

I think you're right, my buddy, I don't want to 

go to bed, 
And curl up in a flower pot and cover up my head, 



GOOD THIXGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 9 

And sleep about a hundred days, I'll run away 
instead, 

My brother lily bulbs. 
Fifth Bulb — 

Hold on, my little Jimmy, I fear you are too late, 
Just now I saw a farmer boy and girl come in the 

gate, 
But I'm so tired I'd really like to go to sleep first 
rate. 

My little lily bulbs. 
(Music: -A lively march played softly.) 
First Bulb (looks L.). Oh, I'm scared! Look 
what's coming! 

Second Bulb. What is it? (Looks L.) Ho, that's 
nothing to be scared about. It's only a farmer boy. 

Third Bulb. Yes, but see what a long stick he's 
got in his hand. He's after me, I know. (Jumps in 
third flower pot.) 

Fourth Bulb. He must have heard what we said. 
That isn't a stick he's got. It's a sword. Oh, my! 
oh, my! Fm frightened. (Jumps in fourth flower 
pot.) ' 

Fifth Bulb. No, it's only a rake. Come on, boys, 
let's stay here. We're not afraid, are we? 

First Bulb. Well, not very much. Not if there's 
only one farmer boy. 

Second Bulb. There's three of us. 
First Bulb. Yes, that's so; but he's got a rake. 
Fifth Bulb. Oh, lookee, lookee! There's another 
boy with him. (Points L.) 

Third Bulb (sticks head out of the flower pot). 
Yes, and just look over there. (Points to R.) There 
come two more. Good-night! (Ducks dozvn.) 

First Bulb (jumps in first flower pot). Come on, 
fellers, before it's too late. 



10 GOOD THIXGS FOR ST X DAY SCHOOLS 

Second Bulb (jumps in second flower pot). May- 
be they won't see us. 

Fifth Bulb. I'm not afraid, but I can't stand up 
against four farmer boys, can I? (Jumps in fifth 
flozucr pot.) Say, buddies. 

Others (standing up). What do you want? 

Fifth Bulb. Don't you want to get out and see if 
we can't scare all of those boys? 

First Bulb. Not me. I'm too sleepy. 

Second Bulb. And it's awfully nice and warm in 
here. 

Third Bulb. I don't care how long I sleep. I'm 
glad lily bulbs don't have any alarm clocks. 

Fourth Bulb. I'd like to wake up at Christmas 
time. 

All Bulbs (yawn and rub eyes). My, but we're 
sleepy. Awfully, awfully sleepy. (They sink down 
gradually, but all together, and finally disappear in 
the flower pots.) 

The music is played much louder. Enter the four 
boys, two from L. and two from R., marching, rakes 
held at u shoulder arms." 

a. March down to the front, four abreast. Then 
all face R., march once around stage, then down to 
front again. 

b. Open order. March. (They spread out.) Pre- 
sent arms. (Rakes held in front, be sure they arc all 
on a level.) Face partners. 1 faces 2 at R. 3 faces 
4 at L. Extend rakes and fence a little in time to the 
music, using the rakes as foils. 

c. Front face. 1 and 2 face R, 3 and 4 face L., 
then walk to R and L., up sides and across at back. 
The 1 and 3 come down followed about four feet 
behind by 2 and 4. 1 and 2 face*3 and 4. Form arch 
with rakes. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 11 

Enter four girls, A, B, C and D, A and B from L., 
C and D from R. A and C meet at center rear and 
march down under the arch, the watering cans 
held in R. hands. B and D do likewise. Then line 
up facing audience in two rows, the girls in front, the 
boys behind. 

d. All face to L. and march around in couples. 
Line up at rear. Form two lines, the boys in front, 
the girls behind. All in rear. 

e. The boys turn backs to audience and in time to 
the music march toward front, raking the floor as they 
go. The girls follow, using watering cans. The two 
boys turn to L., followed by two girls, and the other 
two couples turn to R., raking and watering as they 
go around to rear. 

/. All surround the pots. The boys advance and 
rake over the pots. Then the boys drop back and the 
girls advance and water the pots. All this in time to 
the music. They all stand in a line of 8 at rear. This 
line extends from R. to L. The little Bulbs sneak out 
at L. unseen by audience and the five Lilies creep in 
and hide behind the flower pots. Each lily carries a 
large branch of leaves. 

g. Farmer boys and girls march around stage and 
again surround the flower pots, raking and watering 
them. Then they march around again. While they 
are doing this the lilies (concealed) put the leafy 
branches in the pots. 

h. The farmer boys and girls again surround the 
flower pots. They see branches. Pantomime surprise 
and delight. Then form a large circle and skip around 
the stage. While they do this the faces of the Lilies 
appear among the leaves. 

i. Boys and girls line up in couples at R. and L. 
of stage in lines running from front to rear. All 
look at Lilies. 



12 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 



j. Music changes to dreamy waltz. The Lilies 
grow. The girls (Lilies) gradually rising. 

k. Farm boys and girls in time to music go to the 
flower pots and pantomime delight at the Lilies. 
Lilies pose with arms over heads. 

/. Boys and girls assist Lilies out of boxes. The 
five Lilies come w r ith waltz step to front and grace- 
fully bow to audience. Boys and girls line up back 
of the Lilies. 



;//. 



All sing : 



WAKE, LITTLE LILIES. 

Words by Marie Irish, slightly altered. 

Wake, little Lilies, wake, 
Wake to the springtime call; 

Winter is done and brightly the sun 

Smiles upon you all. 
Snugly you've slept the winter through, 
Now you must wake, there's work to do. 

Sway, little Lilies, sway. {Lilies sway.) 
Sway in the soft spring breeze ; 

Gentle winds blow and rock you so slow, 
As they sway the trees. 
Bluebird and robin sweetly call, 
Springtime joy doth the world enthrall. 



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Curtain. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 13 

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY OF RUTH THE 
GLEANER. 

Reader in front of curtain reads Ruth I\i-y. 

Scene I. 

Picture shown of Ruth in draperies of blue or pale 
yellow, standing with her hand on Naomi's shoulder. 

Naomi, dressed in drapery of black or gray, with 
powdered hair, is seated on stump at C. 

Orpah, in dark green or rich red draperies, stands 
at the rear. Straw scattered on stage. Palms {with 
crocks concealed by foliage) around stage. 

Naomi. Go. Return each to your mother's house. 
The Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with 
the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye 
may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. 

Ruth and Orpah. Surely we will return with 
thee unto thy people. 

Naomi. Nay, turn again, my daughters. Go your 
way. (Orpah kisses Ruth and Naomi and slowly 
leaves the stage.) 

Naomi. Behold, thy sister-in-law has gone back to 
her people, and unto her gods. Return thou after thy 
sister-in-law. ( Ruth clings to her.) 

Ruth {kneeling at Naomi's knees). Entreat me 
not to leave thee or to return from following after 
thee, for whither thou goest, I will go ; and where thou 
lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, 
and thy God my God! Where thou diest, will I die, 
and there will I be buried : the Lord do so to me, and 
more also, if aught but death part thee and me. 
(Naomi embraces her.) 

Curtain. 



14 GOOD TH1XGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Reader reads Ruth II :i-J. 

Scene II. 

Picture shown of the Reapers, men and women and 
children, in dark robes, in the act of reaping. Ruth 
stands in the background. Enter Boaz, clad in rich 
robe with striped drapery on his head. 

Boaz. The Lord be with ye. 

Reapers. The Lord bless thee. 

Boaz {seeing Ruth). Whose damsel is this? 

First Reaper. It is the Moabitish damsel that came 
back with Naomi out of the country of Moab. 

Ruth {comes to Boaz). I pray you let me glean 
and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. 

Boaz. Go not to glean in another field, neither go 
hence, but abide here fast by my maidens. Let thine 
eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou 
after them; and when thou art athirst, go unto the 
vessels and drink of that which the young men have 
drawn. 

Ruth {kneeling). Why have I found grace in 
thine eyes, that thou shouldst take notice of me, seeing 
that I am a stranger? 

Boaz. It hath been fully showed me all that thou 
hast done for thy mother-in-law since the death of 
thine husband ; and how thou hast left thy father and 
thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and came 
to a people thou knewest not before. The Lord 
recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee 
of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou 
art come to trust. {Raises her up.) 

Ruth. Thou hast comforted me and thou hast 
spoken kindly to thine hand-maiden. 

Boaz. At meal time, come thou hither and eat. 

Ruth. May the Lord bless thee for thy loving 
kindness both to the living and the dead. {Goes out.) 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 15 

Boaz. Let her glean among th.e sheaves, and re- 
proach her not. And let fall also on purpose some of 
the handfuls for her, and leave them, that she may 
glean them, and rebuke her not. (Boaz goes out.) 
Curtains fall. 

Scene III. 

Boaz and Ruth in wedding garments (Ruth with 
white veil) stand at C. surrounded by Naomi and the 
Reapers. 

Naomi and Reapers (distinctly). The Lord make 
the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel 
and like Leah, which two did build the house of Is- 
rael; and do thou worthily in Ephratah and be fa- 
mous in Bethlehem. 

Enter Prophetess in white draperies. 

Prophetess. I am a prophetess, a prophetess of 
the Lord. Ye shall have a child, a man child, and his 
name will be Obed, and he will be the father of Jesse, 
who will in turn be the father of David. And of the 
seed of David will the Lord be done. 

All. Hallelujah, hallelujah, of the seed of David 
will the Lord be born. 

Curtain. 

Other tableaux appropriate for Harvest Home and 
Thanksgiving are: 

1. The Landing of the Pilgrims. Poem by Felicia 

Hemans. 

2. The Courtship of Miles Standish. Longfellow. 

3. The White Man's Foot. Hiawatha. Longfellow. 

4. The First Thanksgiving Dinner. 

5. The Football Game. 

6. A Thanksgiving Family Reunion. 

7. The Brunt of the Day. (A turkey.) 

8. Making Pumpkin Pies. 



16 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

A TEMPERANCE VICTORY. 

Temperance Exercise for a Sunday School. 

At the rear of the stage is a small platform draped 
in black shawls. On it is a large dark throne for In- 
temperance. To the rear at L. is a bubbling spring, 
made of rocks and ferns {zvith crocks concealed by 
painted canvas). Connect the "spring" with a water 
faucet by a hose, so that a small stream of water is 
constantly emitted from the top of the spring. This is 
a very effective bit of scenery and is easily prepared. 

CHARACTERS. 

Intemperance, large, heavy man dressed in a dra- 
pery of black shawls. He wears a large crown of 
pasteboard' covered with gilt or tinfoil. 

Four Heralds, young men wearing black (shawl) 
draperies and drapery over head of a contrasting 
color. 

Crime, young man dressed in rags. Hands bound 
zvith chains. Large square hung around neck with 
letter "C" on it. The square should be white card- 
board, about a foot square, the letter should be in red. 

Oppression, Young man dressed similar to Crime. 
Letter "0". 

Licensed Liquor Traffic, young man similarly 
dressed. Letter "L". 

Disease, young man, face pale, ragged clothes. 
Letter "D". 

Want, young woman, dressed in rags. Chains on 
wrists. Letter "W". 

Alcohol, same as Want. Letter " A" . 

Traitor, young man, dressed like the others. Let- 
ter "T\ 

Enemy, young woman dressed like the others. 
Letter "E". 



GOOD. THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 17 

Rags, young woman dressed like the others. 
Letter "R". 

The Children, neat ordinary costumes. 
The Cold Water Army, men women, youths, 
maidens in ordinary costumes. 

Temperance, white flowing robe, hair down. Car- 
ries goblet. .. 

Slow, sad organ music as the curtain is raised, dis- 
closing Intemperance seated on the throne. Music 
ceases as soon as he begins to speak. 
Intemperance — 

Intemperance am I. The darkest blot 
On our fair country's flag. Famine and want, 
Disease and crime and little children's tears, 
The mother's sigh, the wail of broken hearts, 
Belong to me, and follow in my train. 
My strength is great, o'er all the land I tower- 
Yet, not o'er all, for here and there I see 
Great stars of light on my sin-darkened map. 
But I am well protected, with my gold 
I purchase votes, and thus can make more slaves. 
This gold I wrench from poor, weak workingmen. 
The mother's grief, the sad wife's plea, the moan 
Of little children— what is that to me?. 
Fm licensed, licensed, do you hear ? r And men, 
Like fools, will vote for me, withholding bread ..: 
From suffering woman — she can bear it all,- ,. 
The pain, the heartache, curses, blows, e'en 
.death—. , . .'." '. . ■.. . " ' "■. ,...,'/. ,. 

That I imighi rule. This, is the power : of Drink. 
{Enter Fir'st HerAld from R. He stands at R._ 
front.) ... -- - : ...-V-- -■•-; 1 

Intemperance — / ^ ; .-;/:. : 

Your tidings, slave? 
First Herald— 

From southern climes I come. 

Bad tidings, King, Each state is voting dry. 



18 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS - 

Intemperance — 

Go to the mills where the little children toil 

And from their fathers take my toll. Begone. 
(First Herald exits at R. Enter Second Herald 
at L.) 
Second Herald — 

Great King, I come from sunset's western lands. 
Intemperance — 

What tidings there? 
Second Herald — 

The country's going dry. 
Intemperance — 

Away, base slave, and take with thee much gold, 

Wrung from my drink-cursed homes. Away, buy 
votes ! 
(Second Herald exits at R. Enter Third Herald 
from L.) 
Third Herald — 

I, too, O King, report to thee bad news, 

From northern states I come. Your power has 
gone. 
Intemperance — 

Not so. I'll still be bold. Fm not afraid. 

I'll see my crafty counsellors. Begone! 
(Third Herald exits at L. Enter Fourth Herald 
from R.) 
Fourth Herald — 

From eastern lands I come. For many years 

You've reigned in undisputed sway, but now 

The eastern states are slowly waking up. 
Intemperance — 

But in their mighty cities still Fm king. 

Bring in my cringing slaves. I need more gold. 

(Fourth Herald exits R. The organ plays a dead 

march. Then slowly enter from the R. in single file, 

Crime, Rags, Oppression, Enemy, Disease, Want, 

Licensed Liquor Traffic, Alcohol, Traitor. They 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 19 

are all bowed in grief and shame and have chains 
upon their hands,) 
Intemperance — 

Ah, ha! what noble pageant have we here? 
Stand there and show the world th.e power of 
drink. 
(The Nine Slaves face audience at front.) 
Crime — 

I am Crime. I follow in the footsteps of In- 
temperance. 
Where the Drink-fiend goes, Crime cringes at his 
heels. 
Rags — 

I am Rags and Ruin. Where'er the Liquor 

Traffic rules 
Rags and Ruin quickly overspread the place. 
Oppression — 

I am Oppression. I grind men to dust, 
And stamp my heavy heel upon the little child. 
You vote for Drink, then learn Oppression's 
power. 
Enemy — 

The Enemy am I. A foe to love and home, 
I lurk in drink and laugh men's tears to scorn. 
Disease — 

Disease am I. I follow in the trail 
Of Liquor Traffic. Vote for Rum and I will keep 
Your hospitals well filled. Disease am I. 
Want — 

And I am Want and Woe. Beggars shall fill your 

street 
If Drink prevails. The man who gives his wage, 
Earned by the labor of his hands, to Drink 
Shall suffer want. I'll keep the poor-house filled. 
L. L. T.— 

The Licensed Liquor Traffic, I. You say Drink 
pays 



20 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

A tidy city license, and the state and nation profit 

by it. 
But tell me whence it comes ? It is the bread 
Stolen from hungry children, it is the widow's 

tears, 
The mother's hopes, the wife's ill-fated plea. 
They pay the license, mother, wife and babe! 
In tears and degradation, misery and want. 
The treasury is filled with gold from aching 

hearts. 
Alcohol — 

Alcohol am I. And I rob men's mind, 

And heart and soul. Harken to my voice : 
"No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of 

Heaven." 
Traitor — 

I am the Traitor. God created man 
In His own image. But the traitor Drink 
'Degrades him to the level of the brute. 
The level of the brute, said I ? Nay, far below, 
For e'en the lowest brute will turn from drink. 
All Nine — 

The slaves of Drink are we. O pity us, 

And strike the shackles from our hands. 

Bind up our wounds. Drive Drink from our fair 

land# (They stand at rear.) 

Intemperance — 

Enough, we've had from you, poor slaves. 

You seek to drive me hence. Poor, purblind fools, 

You do not know my power. Why, all I have 

to do 
Is tempt you with, a glass of ruby wine. 
It stingeth like a serpent. What of that? 
It leadeth to damnation. What of that? 
Ye are my slaves, both here and evermore. 
(First Herald runs in and kneels before Intem- 
perance.) 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 21 

First Herald — 

O King, a mighty army's on its way, 

From Southland's climes they come to conquer 
you. 
Intemperance — 

Ha, ha ! I laugh their power to scorn. Stand back 

And let me meet this army face to face. 
(First Herald \s tan ds before throne. Enter Sec- 
ond Herald running. He kneels before throne.) 
Second Herald — 

Away, O King, and save yourself from death, 

A mighty army's coming from the west. 
Intemperance — 

You seek to frighten me. Who's in this army ? 
Second Herald — 

A million loyal women bearing votes. 

Supported by children and men. You best had 
flee. 
Third Herald {rushes in) — 

They come, they come! From all the northern 
states 

God's army's in the field. You'd better fly 

Before it is too late. 
Intemperance {comes down from throne) — 

Where is this host? 
Third Herald — 

They storm your battlements. E'en now 

They're at your doors. Women and men 

And little children, led by God above. 
Fourth Herald {rushes in)— 

From eastern marts they come. Away, away! 

An army's at the door. I hear them sing. 
Intemperance — 

Go summon all my warriors, crafty men 

And soldiers bought with gold. Go to my 
coffers 



22 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Give them all my wealth. Nay, I will go, 
I cannot trust you there. Come ye with me. 
(Intemperance goes out at R. with four Heralds.) 
Crime — 

Lift your heads, my brothers; sisters, too, 
Rejoice. Deliverance is at hand. 
The Nine Slaves (sing) — 

Tune : "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" 
Who will stand for the homes of our nation, 

The homes that were built by the brave? 
Who will save them from Rum's desolation, 

And dig for the tyrant a. grave ? 
Who will sweep from the folds of Old Glory 

The clouds that are dark'ning its stars? 
Who will blot from our world-honored story 
The word that its pages now mars ? 

Who will stand for the red, white and blue, 
Our star spangled red, white and blue? 
Who will sweep from the folds of Old Glory 
The clouds that now hang o'er its blue ? 

Cold Water Army (behind scenes) — 

Tune: "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are 

Marching" 

There's an evil in the land, 

And it sweeps from sea to sea, 
It is hindering the coming of the Lord. 

With the ballot in our hand 

We will come to set you free, 
And we'll all unite and sing with one accord. 

We are coming to the rescue, 

We are coming in our youth, 
We are fighting for the right, and we wear the 

ribbon white, 
And our standard bearer waves the flag of truth. 
(The Cold Water Army, men, women and chil- 
dren, march in and stand at front.) 



GOOD THIXGS FOR SUXDAY SCHOOLS 23 

There's an evil in our land, 

Want and sorrow in the home, 
Many heads are bowed in misery today, 

For the Evil's name is Drink. 

Mothers shudder at thfe name, 
And it frightens little children at their play. 

We are coming to the rescue, 

We are coming in our youth, 
We are fighting for the right, and we wear the 

ribbon white, 
And our standard bearer waves the flag of truth. 

In our legislative halls 

Bribes are given by the foe, 
And the licensed liquor traffic may be seen. 

But the day will surely come 

When it's power we'll overthrow, 
. With the ballot we will make our country clean. 

We are coming to the rescue, 

We are coming in our youth, 
We are fighting for the right, and we wear the 

ribbon white, 
And our standard bearer waves the flag of truth. 
(Temperance enters, comes to C. at front and 
recites:) 
Temperance — 

O trust ye in the Lord forever, 
Strong is His arm, and wide His love ; 
He keepeth truth, he faileth never, 
Though earth and sea and Heaven remove. 
Be strong, O men, who bear in battle, 
For us the banner and the shield, 
For, strong to conquer as to suffer, 
Is He who leads you to the field. 

Lift up your eyes, O women, weeping 
Beside your dead — the dawning day 
Has rent the seal of death forever 



24 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

And angels roll the stone away. 
Sing to the Lord, Drink flies before us, 
His strength is gone, we've taken his last stand, 
Now East and West shall join the chorus 
For God and home and native land! 
(Four Little Girls came forward to front.) 

THE FAIRY IN THE WELL. 

(The following four verses may be- used as a selec- 
tion by itself:) 
First Little Girl — 

I know a little fairy, 

Who lurks within the well ; 

She is so pure, she is so true ; 

So sweet her magic spell ; 

She sings adown the hillside, 

And glides along the plain, 

She is the dearest gem on earth, 

Bright Water is her name. 
Second Little Girl — 

I love this little fairy, 

Her charms are ever new ; 

I know she'll ne'er deceive my heart, 

She is so pure and true; 

She bringeth peace and plenty, 

And giveth health again, 

This sweetest, dearest gift of Heaven, 

Bright Water is her name. 
(The Four Little Girls go to Spring and remove the 
black draperies that have hidden it from the audience 
up to this point.) 

Third Little Girl — 
A pretty little fairy, 
You ever shall be mine — 
A sweeter, dearer friend you are 
Than rich and ruddy wine. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 25 

Then hail, dear little fairy, 

Forever dear to me, 

O may the day be far away 

That parteth thee and me. 
Fourth Little Girl — 

Td raise my voice for water clear, 

That bubbles from yon sparkling spring,. 

One drink's enough to quench the thirst, 

'Tis worth the ransom of a king. 

Bubbling and sparkling in the sun 

It leaves no serpent's sting. 
Temperance — 

O sister, brother, youth and maid, 

Behold God's blessed gift to thee ; 

It sparkles forth in wealth untold, 

Nor holds no dregs of misery. 

Oh, go and quaff the cooling spring, 

From alcohol be free. 

God guide all man and womankind, 
God guide all little children dear, 
To yonder sparkling, gurgling spring, 
To drink its limpid waters clear. 
Nor ever more to look upon 
The demons Wine and Beer. 

(The Nine Slaves come to Temperance and 
kneel. All others fall back.) 

The Nine — 

The foe is great, the foe is. strongs 
. .Our empty hands are weak; '■"■/." -.- 

We who have toiled and suffered long, 
Our fears we cannot speak. .....'-" 

Our faithful labors night and day • x 

Our haughty foe destroys, 
We kneel amid the gloom and pray, 
-O save the girls and boys. -• "■--"• 



26 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Temperance (approaches Crime) — 
Who art thou? 
Crime (kneeling)- — 

I'm Crime, the son of Drink. 
Temperance — 

You're Crime no longer. You bear the letter "C". 
Arise, Christian ! 
(The chains of Crime fall off, he stands at R. cor- 
ner, facing front.) 
Oppression — 

I am Oppression. 
Temperance — 

Nevermore oppress. The letter O 
Stands for Obedience. 

(O stands at L. of C.) 
Licensed Liquor Traffic — 

I am the Licensed Liquor Traffic. 
Temperance — 

Arise. L stands for Love. 

(L stands next to O.) 
Disease — 

I am Disease. 
Temperance — 

D for Determination. Arise. 

(D next to O.) 
Want — 

And I am Want. 
Temperance — 

Ah, ne'er again shall needy want 

Be in our land. W stands for Woman. Arise, 

Woman, 
Fight in God's own cause. 
(W stands next to D, but leave a space between.) 
Alcohol — 
Alcohol am I. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 27 

Temperance — 

Utter not that name. Arise, America, 

Gird on the sword and drive the demon drink 

from thy fair land. 

^ (A stands next to W.) 

Traitor — J 

T am I for Traitor. 

Temperance — 

Take my name instead. Arise ! 

Fair Temperance. 

^ (T stands next to A.) 

Enemy — J 

And I am the enemy. 

Temperance — 

E stands for Education and Endeavor. 

_ (E stands next to T.) 

Rags — v J 

Here let me kneel and hide my dire disgrace, 

For I am Rags and Ruin. 
Temperance — 

The letter R shall shine 

A star in my fair crown. You're Resolution. 
Crime — 

Christian. 
Oppression — 

Obedience. 
L. L. T.— 

Love. 
Disease — 

Determination. 
These Four — 

When Temperance wins well rule the nation. 
Want — 

Woman. 
Alcohol — 

America. 
Traitor — 
Temperance. 



28 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Enemy — 

Education. 

Rags — 

Resolution. 

Crime. C 

Oppression. O 

L. L. T. L 

Disease. D (Pause.) 

Want. W 

Alcohol. A 

Traitor. T 

Enemy. E 

Rags. R. 

All. Cold water! 

Everybody (sing Temperance Doxology) — 
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
Praise Him who saves from deepest woe, 
Praise Him who leads the temperance host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 

Tableau and Curtain. 

- — Walter Ben Hare. 
Written especially for this collection. 



THE CARPENTER'S DAUGHTER. 
A Sunday School Dialogue. 

CHARACTERS. 

Miss Lena Gray, the teacher. Aged about 25. 
Jewel, Belle, Margaret, Elsie, Bessie, Mae, Irma, 

Seven well-dressed little girls, ages from 10 to 12. 
Faith Wellington, the carpenter's daughter. Aged 

11, poorly clad. 
Boy. Small boy zvho passes the Sunday School 
papers. 

Arrangement: Six chairs in a row, one or two vacant 
in the rear. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 29 

Teacher enters with Bible. Girls arrive, one or 
two at a time. Teacher shakes hands and greets each 
one pleasantly. Two girls bring quarterlies, one a 
Bible. 

Teacher calls the roll. 

Teacher. I am so glad to see every member of 
the class present this morning. We have a beautiful 
lesson. It is about the Childhood of Jesus. How 
many of you have read it over? Please let me see the 
hands. What, not a single hand up? I'm sorry, girls. 
I do wish you would read the lesson before you come 
to class, or ask your mothers to read it to you. 

Jewel. My mother doesn't have time. She belongs 
to three clubs and they take up all her spare time. 

Belle. My mother thinks girls remember it better 
when they read it themselves. 

Margaret. I can't understand it very well when I 
read it myself. 

Mae. And it always seems so dry. 

Irma. Mother says the reason she sends me to 
Sunday School is to have someone else teach me the 
Bible. 

Elsie. Miss Gray, I started to read my lesson on 
Saturday afternoon, but Bessie and Irma came by and 
wanted me to go to the picture show with them; and 
that's why I didn't study it. It was a good show, too, 
wasn't it, Bessie? 

Bessie. Perfectly splendid. A man and woman 
lived way out West and they had the sweetest little 
girl— 

Irma. They had a boy, too, but he was horrid. He 
rode a pony — 

Elsie. So did the girl. They both rode ponies. 

Faith Wellington enters timidly with quarterly 
in hand. The girls all stop talking, look at her shabby 
clothes, smile scornfully and nudge one another. 

Teacher {shakes hands with Faith). Girls, this 



30 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

is Faith Wellington. I know you will all be glad to 
have her in the class. 

(Faith nods slightly. Teacher tactfully picks up 
chair and places it in front of the other six. Girls 
nudge one another and giggle, making fun of Faith's 
hat, clothes, etc.) 

Teacher. Faith, I see you have a quarterly. Have 
you read the lesson over? 

Faith. Mother was sick in bed, and she read it 
to me. I think I can remember some of it. 

Teacher. You may tell us, Faith, in your own 
words, the story of the lesson. 

Faith. When Jesus lived upon earth the Jews 
once a year used to leave their farms and little towns 
and go up to the great city of Jerusalem to keep the 
Feast of the Passover. 

Margaret. Yes, that's so. I remember that much 
of it. 

Faith. When Jesus was twelve years old, Joseph 
and Mary took him with them on the trip. For several 
days and nights they traveled. Some of this band of 
Jews rode horses or mules, but most of them walked. 

Teacher. And then what happened, Faith ? 

Faith. On the morning of the fourth day they 
saw the great walls of Jerusalem before them. The 
walls were as white as pure snow, with, gleams of 
gold that shone very bright in the glare of the sun. 
As the people climbed the hill that led to Jerusalem, 
they shouted and sang songs. 

Teacher. Yes, when they saw the Holy City they 
shouted for joy. 

Faith. After the feast was over, Joseph and Mary 
and all their friends started back home. Jesus was 
not with His mother, but she thought he was some- 
where in the company. They traveled until night- 
time, and when Jesus did not return to His parents, 
they became frightened and searched through the 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 31 

whole company for Him, but they could not find Him. 
Then they hurried back to Jerusalem as fast as they 
could and found Him in the temple talking to old and 
learned men. 

Mae. We have a picture at home showing Him in 
the temple talking to the teachers and doctors. 

Faith. When Jesus looked up and saw His mother 
with tears streaming down her face He went to her 
and put His arms around her. As she held Him close 
to her heart she said, "My Son, why did you leave 
us?" Jesus said, "Did you not know that I must be 
about my Father's business?" Then Jesus went back 
with, his parents to their quiet little home in the hills 
of Galilee. His father was a poor man, a carpenter, 
and Jesus helped him in the shop and learned the 
trade. And he lived with His parents in that place 
for eighteen years and grew strong and good, and was 
loved by God and man. 

Teacher. Thank you, Faith, you have told the 
story very well. I am going to ask Elsie to tell us the 
lesson story next Sunday. I am sure you can, Elsie. 

Elsie. I'll try, Miss Gray. 

Faith. Miss Gray, I wish I could stay until Sun- 
day School is out, but mother is ill and I must go 
home and prepare the dinner. Here is my penny for 
collection. {Gives it to Teacher.) 

Teacher. I hope your dear mother will soon be 
well again. Come back next Sunday, Faith. Good- 
bye. (Faith goes out.) 

Jewel. Miss Gray, is that poor girl going to be in 
our class all the time ? 

Teacher. I hope so. I sincerely hope so. 

Jewel. I don't. We don't know her and she 
dresses so queerly. She ought not to be in our class. 

Irma. She ought to go to the Salvation Army Sun- 
day School. My father says that's the place for the 
laboring man's children. 



32 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Mae. And she would be right at home there. 
Why, her dress must have come out of Noah's ark. 
And her hat! 

Belle. She couldn't join our Busy Bee Club. I 
know she is too poor to have a party dress. 

Margaret. And she couldn't go to our picnic. 
Why, she'll just spoil all our fun. I hope she won't 
come any more. 

Bessie. And besides, Miss Gray, we don't know 
anything about her folks. They must be very com- 
mon people. Mother is so particular about the girls 
I associate with. 

Elsie. I don't think she is just common folks. 
She's smart. She told that story about Jesus better 
than any of us could have done. 

Teacher. You are right, Elsie. She is smart. She 
is one of my pupils in the ward school and she stands 
at the head of all her classes. She didn't want to 
come to Sunday School because she said she didn't 
have any nice clothes. She came because I invited 
her and insisted on her coming. 

Irma. What does her father do, Miss Gray? 

Teacher. Her father is a carpenter. 

Girls (all together in astonishment). A carpenter? 

Teacher. Yes, he is a carpenter and a very honest 
and honorable man. Surely you would not slight a 
girl just because she is a carpenter's daughter? 

Bessie. But, Miss Gray, our fathers are all busi- 
ness or professional men. We can't afford to lower 
ourselves by associating; with a carpenter's daughter. 

Teacher. But you yourself are a carpenter's 
daughter. 

Bessie. I ? No, indeed. " My*" father is a lawyer. 

Teacher. You are all daughters of a carpenter. 

Girls. Why, what do you mean, Miss Gray? 

Teacher. Girls, have you already forgotten the 
lesson story that Faith told us this morning? Do you 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 33 

not remember that Christ, who was the Son of God, 
our Lord and Savior, was a carpenter's son ? And not 
only a carpenter's son, but He was a carpenter Him- 
self. 

Elsie. That's so. He was. 

Teacher. Then for His sake — if ye are His chil- 
dren and love Him — should you not also love the car- 
penter's daughter? He has told us to love one another. 

Jewel. Miss Gray, I'm sorry I said I didn't want 
her in the class. 

Others. And so am I. So are we all. 

Bessie. If Jesus wants us to love the heathen, I 
don't see why we shouldn't love the poor little girls 
in our own town. 

Irma. My mamma belongs to a missionary society 
and they sew and make clothing for the heathen. I'm 
going to ask her to> have the society make some new 
dresses for Faith, get her a nice coat and hat and a 
pair of new shoes for Christmas. 

Margaret. She's kind of pretty and she's smart. 
If she were dressed up I know not one of us would 
be ashamed of her. 

Teacher. Of course not. Irma, that was a beau- 
tiful idea. Faith is a sensible little girl and I know 
she will accept and appreciate the new, clothes. And 
when you all know her as well as I do, I am sure you 
will love her, and want to be with her, for she is a 
dear, sweet, lovable child. 

{Bell rings.) 

Teacher. There is the assembly bell. We will 
take up the collection now. (Boy enters with Sunday 
School papers for the class. He distributes them. 
All march out.) 

— Annabel Lawrence. 

Written especially for this collection. 



34 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

THE CHEERFUL GIVERS. 
A Donation Entertainment for an Entire School. 

It is best to make this entertainment an annual 
event in the school. It results in a twofold good. It 
helps feed the hungry and clothe the needy, and it 
teaches the participants the joy of giving. 

Each class or department selects the entertainment 
they desire to give and then provides the necessary 
contributions. 

An ordinary platform is needed with a small 
screened place for the concealed Spikety Span Family 
and a cord stretched across (with suspended sheets) 
for the Canny Cans. 

An admittance fee of twenty-five cents in vege- 
tables, eggs or canned goods must be paid at the door. 
Postcard invitation should be sent to all church mem- 
bers and scholars stating the object of the entertain- 
ment, time, place, price, etc. Also advertising post- 
ers should be made by the scholars and exhibited in 
shop windows. 

This entertainment is best in the fall of the year 
or a week or two before Christmas. Have several 
references made to it by the newspapers, and the 
morning of the entertainment publish the program in 
full, giving all names, characters, etc. 

The suggestions here given are only the unusual 
features of the program. Songs, solos, responsive 
readings, short addresses, etc., may be interspersed 
at the option of the committee in charge. 

SUGGESTED PROGRAM. 

1. Orchestra Number, Selection by Mandolin or 

Guitar Club, or bright Piano Solo. 

2. Short Address of Welcome and Invocation by 

Minister. 

3. Song by the School page 35 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 35 



4. "The Canny Little Cans." Primary Class. page 37 

5. Reading and Tableaux. "The Little Helper" 

page 39 

.6. Advertising Maids. Older Girls page 40 

7. The Merry Millers. Young Men page 42 

8. The Spickety-Span Family. Bible or Adult 

Class page 43 

9. Market Maids and Grocery Clerks. Interme- 

diates page 47 

10. Little Grandmas. Young Girls page 50 

11. Song by the School. 

12. Benediction and Doxology. 

HAPPY GREETING TO ALL 

Allegretto Childhood Songs 



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36 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 



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GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 37 

THE CANNY LITTLE CANS. 

Exercise for Primary Department. 

Each child in the Primary Department makes a con- 
tribution of one or two cans of coffee, baking powder, 
beans, tomatoes, etc., or a glass jar of fruit or pre- 
serves. 

Stretch a cord across the platform near the front, 
just high enough to conceal the children. Then hang 
sheets on it until they reach the floor. 

The Primary Department sing some favorite song 
and Twelve Children march behind curtain and at a 
given signal raise their cans above the top. These 
twelve cans are large and have eyes, nose and mouth 
painted on them and queer little bonnets or caps on 
top and ruffles on bottom to conceal the children's 
hands. Note : Only the cans are visible from the 
audience. The twelve children march back and forth 
to last chorus and finally line up and make their cans 
bow to audience. Ten cans are then lowered, but the 
first two remain. 
First Child speaks {behind curtain) — 

Mr. and Mrs. Coffee Can here you plainly see, 
The first of all for you must know important 

cans are we. 
For everyone likes coffee and you surely com- 
prehend, 
That coffee from the coffee can is everybody's 
friend. 

These two cans are lowered and third and fourth 
cans appear. 

Third Child — 

Two noble cans of high degree, artistic, dressed 

in red, 
For baking powder, you'll agree, a good word can 
be said. 



38 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

We help to make the biscuit light and raise the 

spongy dough, 
And everybody welcomes us wherever we may go. 

These cans are lowered and fifth and sixth cans 
appear. 

Fifth Child — 

Mr. and Mrs. Cannister, from far across the sea, 
He came from India, she Japan, and each is full 

of tea. 
We're favorites with the ladies, and when they 

vote, we know, 
A can of tea will grace our flag wherever it 

may go. 

These cans are lowered and seventh, eighth and 
ninth cans appear. 

Seventh Child — 

Canned corn, canned beans, tomatoes, too, will 

now appear in view, 
And give you hearty greeting as a well-trained 

can should do. 
We help the soup, we aid the meal, to no one will 

we yield, 
The products of the garden and the products of 

the field. 

These cans are lozuered and tenth, eleventh and 
twelfth jars of fruit appear. 

Tenth Child — 

The best is last, oh. my, oh my, the children love 

us so, 
We're bound to be the favorites wherever we 

may go. 
We're full of golden peaches and pears and 

cherries, too. 
And if you should drop into tea, you'll see what 

we can do. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 39 

Cans are lowered and thirteenth child's head ap- 
pears above the sheet. 
Thirteenth Child — 

Oh, haughty Coffee Cans, and cans that hold the 

tea, {They appear.) 

You're very much puffed up and proud as you 

can be. 
The Fruit Cans and the Vegetables and Baking 

Powder, too, 
You all have made your speeches, the best that 

you could do. 
But I'm the only Can of any real worth, 
For I'm a true AMERI-CAN, the greatest Can 
on earth ! 

Child pulls down sheet and cord. Primary Depart- 
ment sing song and all march forward and pile cans 
at rear of platform as they sing. 

Note: This exercise was suggested by and partly 
appropriated {with the consent of the publishers) 
from the Contest of the Cans, from u The Surprise 
Drill Book/' by Marie Irish. 



THE LITTLE HELPER 

Illustrated Reading. 

{Curtains are drawn, showing a middle-aged woman, 
poorly dressed and ironing busily. Little girl of about 
ten, plainly dressed, helps her by bringing clothes. 
Mother smiles at her. Daughter and mother work 
cheerfully as the first stanza is read aloud:) 

Just a plain little girl in her own little home, 
Helping her dear, loving mother; 
Thinking it never a bother, 
But, oh, h.ow the mother would miss her. 

{Close curtains.) 



40 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Just a plain little girl in a little brown frock, 

Kissing the hurt of a brother; 

Thinking it never a bother; 

But, oh, how the brother would miss her. 
(Open curtains on first line. Enter Brother, aged 
six, with cut finger. Shows it to Sister, who puts salve 
on cloth and binds it up. Then kisses the hurt finger. 
Note: The Reader must wait for the appropriate ac- 
tion before reading the lines.) 

Just a plain little girl with her little brown hands, 

Helping her care-burdened neighbor; 

Cheerful, not grudging her labor. 

But, oh, how the neighbor would miss her. 
(Neighbor dressed like an old granny is paring pota- 
toes. Little girl, also seated, is peeling apples and 
smiling and talking to the old lady in pantomime.) 

Just a plain little girl in her own quiet way, 

Gathering the sheaves for the Master, 

Smiling as stronger ones pass her; 

But, oh, how the Master would miss her. 

(Little girl shown kneeling in prayer at her mother's 
knee.) 



ADVERTISING MAIDS. 
Class of Older Girls. 

Two weeks before the entertainment this class 
should make a personal appeal for contributions to all 
the prominent merchants of the town. Explain to 
them the nature of the following entertainment, tell 
them about the advertising feature and also about the 
good their contributions will do for the poor and dis- 
tressed of the town. 

Each girl carries a banner with the name of her 
firm of contributors on it. Sometimes the merchants 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 41 

will provide banners, appropriate costumes and short 
verses to be used in the entertainment. 

The piano plays a bright march as the Girls enter 
from L. and march once around the platform, then 
line up at rear and march down in a straight line fac- 
ing the audience. 

First Girl. It gives me great pleasure to announce 
that the merchants of our town have nobly responded 
to our appeal in behalf of the poor and needy. They 
have helped to feed the hungry, helped to clothe the 
needy and bring some sunshine into doors darkened 
by poverty and want. "He who giveth. to the poor, 
lendeth to the Lord." Let us all remember that these 
firms have helped us in our cause and are worthy of 
honest patronage. 

Second Girl. I present an order for a pair of 

shoes from the Shoe House, No. 245 Main 

Street. (A short advertisement for the house, written 
by the advertising man, may follow. Note: It should 
not be more than four lines long.) 

Third Girl. I present an order for ten pounds of 
candy for the children of the poor. This is contrib- 
uted by the 5 and 10 Cent Store, 78 E. High 

Street. {Short ad. follows.) 

Fourth Girl. The Dry Goods Company 

{gives address), contributes two woolen skirts. {Ad. 
follows.) 

Fifth Girl. The Coal Company has sent an 

order for a ton of coal. 

Sixth Girl. The Grocery Company sends a 

sack of flour. 

Seventh Girl. The Clothing Company sends 



{After each girl has made her report, they sing one 
verse of some popular Sunday School song and march 
out at L.) 



42 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

THE MERRY MILLERS. 

A Class of Young Men. 

Their contributions are sacks of flour. They march 
in in time to the music, "Miller of the Dee." Each 
wears an advertising cap from the wholesale grocery 
or flour mill and each carries a sack of flour. They 
come forward, one at a time, to the music and deposit 
their sacks on the platform. They may either sing 
or recite the following song: 

MILLER OF THE DEE. 

There dwelt a miller hale and bold beside the River 

Dee; 
He wrought and sang from morn till night, no bird 

more gay than he ; 
And this the burden of his song forever used to be, 
I envy no one, no, not I, and no one envies me. 

"Thou'rt wrong, my friend/' said Good King Hal, 

"as wrong as wrong can be; 
For could my heart be light as thine I'd gladly change 

with thee. 
And tell me now what makes thee sing with voice so 

gay and free, 
While I am sad, though I'm the King, beside the 

River Dee." 

The miller smiled and doffed his cap, "I earn my 

bread," quoth he, 
"I love my wife, I love my friend, I love my children 

three. 
I owe no one I cannot pay, I thank the River Dee, 
That turns the mill that grinds the corn to feed my 

babes and me." 

"Good friend," said Hal, and sighed the while, "fare- 
well and happy be; 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 43 

But say no more if you'd be true, that no one envies 

thee; 
Thy miller's cap is worth my crown, thy mill my 

kingdom's fee; 
Such men as thou art England's boast, oh, Miller of 

the Dee." 

{The music continues as two men go out and return 
carrying a flour barrel with the top off. In it is con- 
cealed a little girl wearing a quaint dress and bonnet. 
Stand barrel at C.) 
First Miller {recites) — 

There are many flours of many lands of reputa- 
tion grand, 
Pillsbury, Gold Medal and Washburn, and many 

another brand. 
But the very finest flour that ever met our eyes 
Is the flour of the family (Second Miller lifts 
girl out.) 

The flower that takes the prize. 

{All march out singing, the last two carrying the 
child on her clasped hands.) 



THE SPICKETY SPAN FAMILY. 
Novelty Entertainment for One Speaking Character. 

This entertainment is designed to display the con- 
tributions of the Adult Class. Warm winter clothing, 
hats and shoes, mittens, woolen underskirts, overcoats, 
etc., are the contributions, and these are displayed on 
dummies. These dummies may be borrowed from 
dry goods stores or they may be made by stuffing the 
clothing with pillows and using penny false faces. 

The Speaker may be dressed as Santa Clans or in 
any old-fashioned garb. If a lady speaks the part she 
should wear an oldtime costume with huge coal-scuttle 
bonnet, gaily trimmed with many colored flowers, rib- 



44 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

bons, etc. Sew some corkscew curls in the bonnet to 
fall on either side of the face. 

The Speaker appears before the curtain. 

Speaker. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, 
boys and girls. I've come out here tonight to make 
you acquainted with a wonderful family. You don't 
know them yet, but they ain't hard to get acquainted 
with, although they are kind of wooden-headed, as 
you might say. They are the Spickety Span Family 
and appear before you tonight through the generosity 
of the Class of our Sunday School. 

First there is Grandpaw and Grandmaw Spickety 
Span. 

(Curtains are drawn disclosing the Old Lady 
Dummy seated in chair. Old Man Dummy stands by 
her with one hand on her shoulder.) 

They are awful nice folks and never have any ar- 
guments or quarrels with each other. Grandpaw 
Spickety Span has a wooden leg, but you can't see that, 
and Grandmaw Spickety Span tells him that his head 
is jest as wooden as his leg. Grandmaw is the boss 
of the house, I can tell you, and the way she makes 
poor old Grandpaw step around is a sin and a shame. 
(Curtains closed.) Grandpaw Spickety Span is nearly 
eighty, but jest as spry as a boy of sixteen, and Grand- 
maw Spickety Span, lawsy me, she's as lively as a 
kitten after a canary. Then there is Paw and Maw 
Spickety Span. (They are shown.) 

Paw Spickety Span is a real important man in this 
town. He's a politician and is a member of the City 
Council. He's just as wooden-headed as the rest, but 
what can you expect from a city official ? Maw Spick- 
ety Span is a real society lady and belongs to several 
lodges here in town. She's real popular, too, just like 
Mrs. . She's always got a good word for every- 
body, and I tell you she does a lot of charity work 
among the poor. (Curtains are closed.) Even if it 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 45 

ain't nothing but a pot of flowers, or a loaf of bread, 
or a glass of jell, Maw Spickety Span is always ready 
to assist the sick or aid the unfortunate. Truly, women 
like her are the salt of the earth. Next we have the 
oldest son and the oldest daughter. {They are shown.) 

This handsome youth is Samuel Spickety Span and 
this blushing beauty is his sister Samanthy. They are 
real good young folks and go to Sunday School every 
Sunday jest as regular as clock work. Samuel writes 
poetry — you could tell that by the expression around 
his eyes. And Samanthy has a beau! Of course a 
good-looking young gal like her would jest naturally 
be bound to have a beau. Maybe he'll pop the question 
some day, and I can tell by the look on Samanthy's 
face that she's jest waiting to cast herself into his 
arms, as it were. {Curtains drawn.) Next come the 
twins, and they are both boys, Solomon and Shadrach. 
I tell you, they're a lively pair. They're up to all the 
mischief in the world, from going in swimming and 
losing their clothes to putting a tack, point upwards, 
in the school teacher's chair. I was over to their house 
once fer supper and, I declare, if those two terrible 
twins didn't put salt in the sugar bowl and pepper in 
the can of peaches ! I never saw such young-uns. 
{They are shown.) But jest to look at them you'd 
think they were so good that butter wouldn't melt in 
th.eir mouths. I'll bet a cooky that right now they 
are concocting some mischief. Jest look at that smile 
on Shadrach's face, and Solomon ain't a bit better. 
{Curtains closed.) 

Of course there are some little girls in the Spickety 
Span family. Three of 'em. Susan, Seliny and Sarah 
McGinty Spickety Span. They've had the measles and 
I was real scared for fear they wouldn't be able to get 
here tonight, but when they heard the Sunday School 
was going to have a festival, a team of horses couldn't 
have kept them away. They got over the measles 



<6 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

quicker than scat, ate four dishes of ice cream and a 
bottle of pickles, put on their new clothes and here 
they are! (They are shown.) Susan is the big one 
and Seliny is the next, and the little one rejoices in the 
name of Sarah McGinty Spickety Span. Aren't they 

sweet little girls? If or or any of the other 

boys of Class No. — are looking for real nice little 
girls to take to parties, why here are three of them, 
all ready and waiting. (Curtains closed.) 

You didn't think I could introduce the whole family 
to you and leave out the babies, did you? There are 
three of. them. Simeon is three years old, Sampson 
is one year old and some months, and Baby Stella 
Sophronia Spickety Span has to have the high chair 
I tell you, it's a mighty interesting family. (They are 
shown.) Simeon is going to be a doctor. Can't you 
tell that by the innocent expression on his face? He's 
always breaking the dolls and other toys and putting 
them together again, so they decided to make a doctor 
out of him. And Sampson is going to be a lawyer. 
He can't talk plain and he don't seem to have very 
much sense, but Paw Spickety Span has decided that 
he is smart enough to be a lawyer. And little Stella 
Sophronia don't know what she's going to be, but the 
way she yells at night I think she'll get a job singing 
in the choir of the church. (Curtains closed.) 

And now you're acquainted with, the whole Spickety 
Span Family. I hope you have enjoyed them, and next 
year we'll let you see them again, all dressed up in new 
clothes. And maybe we'll invite their uncles and aunts 
and all their little cousins, if we can get enough clothes 
for 'em to wear. That's all. Good night! 

Note: If additional clothing is provided other dum- 
mies may be dressed as Uncle Nathan, with the tooth- 
ache; Aunt Minervy, aged fifty, and never had a beau; 
Black Mammy Nurse for baby; Sister's Beau, etc., at 
the discretion of the director. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 47 

MARKET MAIDS AND GROCERY CLERKS. 

Songs for Intermediate Boys and Girls. 

The girls contribute baskets filled with food; the 
boys, large sacks of potatoes. Girls wear aprons and 
siinbonnets, boys wear caps obtained from large gro- 
cery store advertising flour. 

The Girls enter from L. carrying baskets and march 
around the stage singing. 




All Girls {marching in circle) — 

From the market with our baskets, 

From the market we come ! 
And good things are in them 
To brighten some home. 
They line up at front and face audience. 
First Girl (sings) — 

I have celery and tomatoes, 

And a pumpkin so round, (Holds up article.) 
And canned soup and onions, 
At market I found. 



48 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

* 

Second Girl (sings) — 

I have parsnips and turnips, 

And a big cabbage head, (Holds up cabbage.) 
Some canned corn and jelly, 
And apples so red. 
Third Girl (sings) — 

I have sugar, I have coffee, 

I have barley and rice, 

I have raisins for pudding, 

Oh, won't that be nice ? 

(All clasp hands and nod heads.) 
Fourth Girl (sings) — 

I've a jar of fine peaches, 

And cranberries red, 
I've a can of molasses 

To eat on their bread. (All smack lips.) 

Fifth Girl (sings) — 

I've a package of crackers, 

A big bag of beans, 
Some fine tapioca, (Hold up package.) 

A can of sardines. 
All (sing) — 

From the market, with our baskets, 

From the market we come. 
And good things are in them, (All show baskets.) 
To brighten some home. 
First Girl (or sixth if desired) — 

From the market, with our baskets, 

But alas, I am sad. (Shake heads sadly.) 

No potatoes. In the market 
Not one could be had. 
Second Girl (or seventh if desired) — 
In the market no potatoes? 
Why, what does it mean? 

(All hold up hands in horror.) 
Without them a dinner's 
Not fit to be seen. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 49 

Third Girl (or eighth if desired) — 
To the grocery I hurried, 

No potatoes in view. 
I'm ashamed of my basket— 

Oh, what shall we do? (All shake heads sadly.) 
Fourth Girl (or ninth if desired) — 
When we carry our baskets 

To homes of the poor, 
They'll see no potatoes, 
And laugh, I am sure. 

(All weep , hands at eyes.) 
Fifth Girl (or tenth if desired) — 
No potatoes, no potatoes, 

(All weeping through this verse.) 
Alas, we are sad. 
No potatoes. In th.e market 
Not one could be had. 

Enter the Boys, each carrying sack of potatoes. 
Each boy stands beside a girl and addresses her in 
song. Sing to the tune of "Work, for the Night is 
Coming/' Put sacks on floor. 

All the Boys — 

What's this about potatoes? 

We are grocery boys! (Remove caps.) 

Come, let us take your orders. (Imitate this.) 

Why all the fuss and noise? 
Here is our own donation, (Pick up sacks.) 

Each has a large sack, too, 
'Taters for all creation, 

Are there enough for you? (Hold up potatoes.) 
All the Girls — 

Oh, we are truly grateful, 

Now we will all be gay, (Take boys' arms.) 
And with our well-filled baskets 

Come let us haste away. 

(March around in couples.) 



50 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Boys and Girls — 

Many a heart we'll gladden, 

They shall be sad no more. (Start out at R.) 
Work for the night is coming, 

When our work is o'er. (All go out at R.) 



LITTLE GRANDMAS. 
Dialogue for Ten or Fifteen Young Girls. 

This dialogue serves to display the contributions of 
one or two classes of girls from twelve to seventeen 
years old. Each girl is dressed like an old lady, hair 
poivdered, large spectacles, dark dresses, white caps 
and kerchiefs. Each carries her contribution, woolen 
petticoats, mittens, outing flannel night-gowns, shawls, 
flannels, socks, etc. All except hostess wear bonnets 
and sliawls or capes when they enter. They remove 
these and put on caps and aprons. 

Plain stage with enough chairs for all the girls. 
Hostess comes on at R. 

Hostess. My, my, here it is almost two o'clock 
and not a soul has showed up for the sewing bee. 
Winter's coming on fast and the poor of this town 
need our contributions. It won't be much, but I'm 
sure it will be thankfully received.. (Works on her 
contribution.) He who giveth to the poor, lendeth to 
the Lord. (Holds it up.) There, it's jest about done. 
Maybe it will help to keep some poor soul warm these 
cold winter days. (Knock at L.) 

Grandma Gray (enters L.) Howdy do, Letitia. 
I came right in. How be ye? 

Hostess. Fair to middlin'. I'm powerful glad to 
see you, Anne. Take off your bunnet. 

Grandma Gray (removing wraps, bonnet, etc.). 
Thank ye kindly. Susan Wheat and Mary Miller was 
comin' right behind me. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 51 

Enter Grandmas Wheat and Miller from L. 

Grandma Miller. Howdy, Letitia. My, I didn't 
know we were so airly. 

Grandma Wheat. Mary allers tries to be the 
first one at anything. 

Hostess. Take off your things. 

Grandma Gray {seated down R. at work). Kind 
of cold, ain't it? It's pretty near time fer a long, hard 
winter to be settin' in. 

Grandma Miller. It is so. {Seated next to 
Grandma Gray.) We've got to hurry with our knit- 
ting if we want to do any good at all. There's lots 
of suffering in this town already. 

Grandma Wheat. That's so. Jacob was telling 
me this morning about several cases that needed re- 
lief. (Sits next to Grandma Miller.) I certainly 
am glad that our Sunday School has taken up sich a 
practical plan to help the poor. It means lots of work 
fer all of us, but the Lord loveth a willing worker. 

Enter Grandmas Jones, Brown and Rose. 

Hostess. Ladies, I'm so glad you ventured out in 
this bad weather. Take off your things. 

Grandma Jones. I'ni nearly seventy, but I ain't 
a mite too old to do a little work for the Lord. 

Grandma Brown. Them's my sentiments, too. 

Grandma Rose. Mine, too. How be ye, Letitia? 

Hostess. Fair to middlin'. 

Grandma Wheat. I wonder how many will turn 
out today? 

Grandma Gray. It's sich a good cause that every 
woman in town who can afford it ought to give some- 
thing to the poor. 

Enter Grandmas Johnson, Green, Hunt and 
Talbott. 

Grandma Green. Lands sakes, how many is here? 
I hope we ain't late. 



52 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Hostess. Not at all, Belinda. I'm right glad to 
see you all. Take off your things and make yourselves 
right to home. 

Grandma Rose {seated at C). I didn't know 
whether I could come out today or not. I've got the 
rheumatics something terrible. 

Grandma Jones {seated near her). And so have 
I. I allers use Oil and Witch Hazel. It's real com- 
forting. 

Grandma Miller. I'm allers troubled with noo- 
raligy. But when there's work fer the poor to be 
done, I jest can't bear to stay at home and groan. 

Enter Grandmas Burke, Raymond, Gilbert and 
Fisher. 

Hostess. My, my, we're going to have a big meet- 
ing after all. Jane Burke, you're looking younger 
every day. 

Grandma Burke. It's because I don't never 
worry. There ain't a bit of use in worrying. I be- 
lieve in trusting to the Lord and taking things as they 
come. {All are seated.) 

Hostess. It's been a long time since we've all 
been together. I think it would be a good idea, while 
wc sew for the poor, to sing that dear old song, Auld 
Lang Syne. 

{All sing two stanzas of u Auld Lang Syne/') 

Grandma Gray {to Grandma Miller). I suppose 
you've heard about the {local name). They're all 
going to move to the city to live. He's got a better 
job there and she said this town ain't healthy. 

All {scandalized). Ain't healthy? Why, the idea! 

Grandma Jones. I've lived here purty nigh, seventy 
years and I ain't dead yet. 

Grandma Wheat. Say, have you heerd the news 
about Miss ? Folks do say she's wearing an en- 
gagement ring. I heerd as how she's going to be mar- 
ried soon to . 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 53 

All. You don't say ! Well, well, well ! 

Grandma Miller. There, I jest about got my work 
finished. (Holds it up.) It ain't very much, but it's 
the widow's mite. 

Hostess. It's perfectly lovely. You'll make some 
poor heart happy this winter, Mary Miller. 

Grandma Burke. Say, have you heard about old 
man Denune ? It's perfectly awful. He's going to get 
married! Ain't that ridiculous? 

All. Married? Old man Denune, married? 

Grandma Wheat. Why he's older than I be. I'll 
bet a doughnut that man is seventy-five if he's a day. 

Grandma Burke. Don't it beat all? And he's 
been a widower fer purty nigh thirty years. Never 
can tell what a widower will do. There, my work is 
done. 

Others. And so is mine. 

Hostess. Have you all finished your work? 

All. Yes, everything is done. 

Hostess (rises). What a blessing these things will 
be for the poor. If everything's done, please walk 
into the dining-room and we'll all take tea. 

All (rise and take partners). Thank you, Letitia. 

Hostess. In behalf of the Sunday School I feel as 
though I ought to thank you for all these comforts 
you have provided for the Lord's unfortunates, and 
I do. Remember, it says in the Good Book, "Zac- 
chaeus stood forth and said unto the Lord, Behold, 
Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if 
I have done any wrong to any man, I restore four- 
fold." 

Grandma Gray. The first verse of Psalm 41 
says : "Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick 
and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of 
trouble." 



54 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

All (in unison). "All things come from Thee, O 
Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee!" 

(All go out in pairs at L., singing "Blest be the Tie 
that Binds/') 



IN THE PALACE OF THE KING. 
A Moral Dialogue for Six Young Ladies. 

CHARACTERS. 

The Queen, tall and stately with powdered hair and 
dark trailing dress. Small crown. 

The Preceptress, powdered hair. Collegiate cap 
and gown. 

Annette, light blue skirt and bodice. White waist, 
cap and apron. Pink bands on skirt and apron and 
pink ribbons on shoulders and in cap. Much cheap 
jewelry. 

Marie, very haughty in bearing. Rich dress and 
jewels. 

Katrine, dark skirt and bodice of same material. 
White waist. Dark apron and cap of sateen. Tall, 
dark girl with marked dramatic ability. 

Louise, small blonde girl, hair down in curls. Rag- 
ged gray dress. Old shawl over head. 

Scene: The Queen's room. Queen seated at L. 

at rear, her head bozved on hand in sorrowing attitude. 

Preceptress stands at R. nearer audience. 

Preceptress— 

Still bowed in grief art thou, beloved Queen ! 
I pray thee lift thy head. Be comforted. 
Riches are thine, and peace within our land. 
Thy people love thee with a love so great 
They'd gladly share thy woe. We know thy loss, 
Our hearts are full of sympathy for thee. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 55 

Queen (looks up) — 
I mourn my child. 

Preceptress — 

But grief cannot restore 

The flower that fades. Rest assured, dear Queen, 
The princess is not dead. Her soul still lives- 
Near God's white throne sh.e waits in Heaven for 
thee. 

Queen — 

The Lord hath given, He hath taken away. 
Death never gave to God a gentler soul, 
I would not call her back, but still I miss 
Her gentle presence, and her little arms 
About my neck, her soft, sweet lips on mine. 
'Tis hard, dear friend, to lose an only ch.ild. 

Preceptress — 

Not lose, dear Queen. In Heaven she waits for 

thee, 
Crowned with God's love. Perhaps she's watch- 
ing now, 
And whispering words with love and comfort 
fraught. 

Queen — 

If I could find some girl here in my realm, 
A maiden with a loving heart and faithful soul, 
I'd bring her to my throne, whate'er her rank. 
If she'd prove worthy, she should be my child. 

Preceptress — 

But if your wish were known a thousand girls 
Would fill your halls and courtways at the word. 

Queen — 

I fain would choose the maid myself. One pure 
And loving heart would comfort me. And yet 
I'd have her love me for myself alone. 

Preceptress — 

A task most difficult 'twould be to choose, 
To pick the gold from dross. Still I've a plan. 



56 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Today I passed four maidens on the road. 
I bade them visit me. If you will deign 
To step aside and listen, methinks you'll learn 
Which is the gold and which the tawdry dross. 
For I will test their hearts and minds with 
wealth. 
Queen (rises) — 

'Tis well. I'll here await and watch, 
Mayhap we'll find a maiden who shall be 
A loving daughter. Bid them enter here ; 
In yonder room I'll wait and listen well. 
I know your wisdom, dearest friend. To you 
I'll leave the choice. (Exits at L.) 

The Preceptress moves to C. Enter Annette 
at R. 

Annette (standing at R.) — 

They told me to come in. You'd speak with me ? 

Preceptress — 

I would. I called you here because the Queen, 
Our gracious sovereign, hath commanded me 
To place at your disposal forty crowns. 
Now choose what things you wish, and they are 
yours. 

Annette — 

What things? I want so many things — 
A necklace — golden rings — a sparkling comb — 
Earrings with gems that twinkle like the stars. 
A blue gown trimmed with lace — no, pink— like 

flowers. 
No, I prefer it white, of satin rare ! 
I'd like a red one, too. I pray thee tell 
How many gowns and jewels I'm like to have 
With forty crowns? 

Preceptress — 

I cannot say. It may be 

One or six ! Mayhap a dozen gowns. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 57 

Annette — 

A dozen! Oh, gracious, gracious Queen! 

And then I want a fan, an ivory fan. 

And golden bracelets. Surely I must have 

A dozen hats to match my dozen gowns. 
Preceptress. 

Oh, pretty maid, a paltry forty crowns 

Would never purchase half you wish to buy. 

But you shall have a gorgeous satin gown 

Of ivory white. It shall be sent to you 

At your abode, I think, tomorrow night. 
Annette — 

Please make it yellow. That becomes me more. 

I'll come for it myself. I cannot wait. 

Oh, would tomorrow night were here right now. 
Preceptress. 

Pass out and bid the second maid appear. 
Annette — 

A gown of yellow satin. I'll be gay — 

The Queen herself won't look as well as I. 

{Exits R.) 
Queen {appears at L.) — 

Your plan works well. 
Preceptress. 

Is she the chosen one? 
Queen — 

That pretty peacock? Nay, I'll wait a while. 

We'll hear what says the second. See, she comes. 

{Exits L.) 
Enter Marie from R. 
Preceptress. 

I asked you here because our gracious Queen 

Hath so commanded, and she further bade 

Full forty crowns at your disposal place. 

Now choose what things you wish and they are 
yours. 



58 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Marie — 

A present from her majesty to me.' 

I always thought she liked me, now I'm sure 

That I have made a great impression on her. 

Preceptress — 

How should the Queen know thee? 
Marie — 

She saw me once 

Upon the street. She knows my father, too. 

For he's a man of note, high in the town. 

We are no common folk. Our coat of arms 

Is blazoned with a rising sun. Aristocrats 

Are we. That's why the Queen would honor us. 

Preceptress — 

Our noble Queen will judge you by your worth. 
What will you choose? How spend the forty 
crowns ? 

Marie — 

I fain would have a banner from the Queen, 
Wrought in gold thread, enclosed in costly frame, 
Inscribed on it: "Presented by the Queen 
To her whom she delights to honor — to Marie, 
The eldest daughter of the Karlstein House." 
And underneath a message from the Queen — 
For it is right that she should know our worth. 

Preceptress — 

'Tis well ; your choice is made. Send in the third. 

Marie (proudly) — 

I'll bid the servants send her in. My family 

pride 
Forbids that I should act the lackey. Fare-thee- 
well. (Exits R.) 

Preceptress (turns to Queen, who appears at L.) — 
What says my gracious Queen to this proud 
maid? 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 59 

Queen — 

Had she her way, she'd rule instead of me. 

Prepare the banner she desires, and write 

Beneath, as she directed, from the Queen, 

"Pride goeth fast before a fall. Humility is 
sweet." 

Then send it to her. Pray call in the third. 

(Exits L.) 
Enter Katrine from R. 
Katrine — 

You sent for me? 
Preceptress — 

I did. Our gracious Queen 

Would honor thee with presents from her store. 

She bids me give thee forty crowns, or else 

You choose a gift to that amount ! 
Katrine (astounded) — 

A gift 

Of forty golden crowns! Oh, joy is me! 

I'll take the money, if it's all the same. 

I have a little dowry of mine own, 

And this will swell the fund. Oh, thank the 
Queen ! 

I love to feel the shining golden coins, 

And watch, them sparkle in the moonlight's rays. 
Preceptress — 

Your choice is quickly made. Tomorrow night 

Th.e money shall be yours. 
Katrine — 

Why wait till then? 

I'd have it drawing interest in the bank. 

You see I'm hoarding for a rainy day. 
Preceptress (gives her a purse) — 

You'll find it there, my child. Now, that is all. 
Katrine — 

Three other maidens wait without. Do they 

Each one receive a gift of forty crowns ? 



60 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Preceptress — 

Tis not for me to say. You have your gift. 

Let that suffice. 
Katrine — 

But tell me, noble dame, 

Will they get more? The Queen is very rich. 

If anyone gets more than forty crowns 

Why should it not be I ? For I am wise, 

Thrifty and prudent. What I get, I keep. 

Beseech the Queen to give me fifty crowns. 

'Tis all the same to her. I'd love her more. 

Preceptress (sharply) — 

She gives thee forty crowns. There is the door. 
I pray thee, go, and send the last to me. 

Katrine — 

I do obey. But would 'twere fifty crowns ! 

(Exit R.) 
Preceptress (to Queen, who appears at L.) — 

Alas, my gracious Queen, my heart is sad. 

These three have turned out failures. 
Queen — 

Yes, 'tis true. 

Those forty crowns add to a miser's store. 

It saddens me to see young girls like these. 

One covetous — one vain — one proud. 

Preceptress — 

And well it may. 

But one more waits without. A little waif 

Who sings from door to door. Ragged, in want, 

I found her in the streets, a beggar maid, 

And yet she made the whole town glad with song. 

Queen — 

My heart is sad, dear friend. But bid her in. 

(Exit L.) 
Enter Louise from R. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 61 

Preceptress — 

Our gracious sovereign would honor thee. 
She gives me forty crowns to spend for you. 
Now choose the things you wish, and they are 
yours. 

Louise — 

A gift for me? And forty crowns? Alas, 
I fear there's some mistake. Why, never yet 
Have I beheld a golden crown. Not one. 
In all the world is there so large a sum ? 

Preceptress — 

There is, my child, and it is all for you 

To spend as you desire. What would you have? 

Louise {timidly) — 

Oh, if I could ! I would not seem too bold, 

But all my life have I desired a lute — 

A little silver lute to play upon. 

And as I go from house to house in song 

Fd play upon my lute. Oh, lady, fair, 

I know not what it costs. I've asked too much. 

Preceptress — 

Whate'er it costs, it shall be given thee. 

Louise — 

A silver lute. Words are too few 

To say what's in my heart. I'll pray for you. 

And when I hear my lute I'll think of her, 

Of our dear, gracious Queen. And when I sing 

'Twill be a song of gratitude to her. 

Preceptress — 

I pray thee step aside. Tomorrow night 
The lute is thine. 

Louise — 

And every night and morn 
I'll come up here before the castle gate 
And sing my simple song, that she may know 
The grateful heart she's given the beggar maid. 

{Exit R.) 



62 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Queen (appears at L.) — 

Would she had longer stayed. So sweet a face 
I fain would have with me. Her dear voice, too, 
Awakened recollections of my child. So meek, 
Patient and loving! Call her back again. 

Enter Louise from R. The Queen goes up L. and 
Louise does not see her. 
Louise (to Preceptress) — 

I pray thee, pardon me. I came again 

To ask would it be wrong, and if the Queen 

Would angry be if I should choose again? 

Another thing there is that I desire 

More than the lute. 
Preceptress — 

And what is that, my child? 
Louise — 

The forty crowns themselves. Is it too much.? 
Preceptress — 

Alas, my child, art thou a miser, too? 
Louise — 

'Tis not for me, but, begging in the street, 

There is a poor blind weaver at his trade. 

All day he sits in darkness all alone, 

The times are hard, the winter's coming on, 

And he, poor man, can scarcely earn his bread. 

At night I lead him home and sing to him. 

These forty crowns would feed and clothe him 
well 

All through the winter. Strange I did not think 

Of him before I chose the lute. 
Preceptress — 

My child, 

You're poor yourself. Perhaps you'll never earn 

Enough to buy a lute. 
Louise — 

But I am young, 

And he is very old and all alone. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 63 

He shivers in the winds I scarcely heed. 

I have my eyes and youth and he is blind. 

'Tis dreadful to be blind. If I'd a lute 

I never could enjoy its music while I knew 

The poor old man was suffering. Beg the Queen 

To let me choose again. He'd be so glad 

And Fd rejoice to see him smile again. 

Queen comes down R. C. to Louise. Preceptress 
crosses to L. front. 

Queen — 

The greatest joy in all the world is yours, 
Dear child, the joy of serving others. 
Here is the money, and tomorrow night 
I bid thee come to meet me here and bring 
Your parents with you. Happy folk are they 
To have a child like you. 

Louise — 

Alas, dear Queen, 

My mother died long years ago. My father, too, 

Fell in the wars. I am an orphan child. 

Oueen {puts arms around her) — 

Orphan no longer! Come to me, dear child, 
For you shall be a little daughter to me. 
The heart whose dearest wish is for another, 
A poor blind beggar, is the heart for me. 

{To Preceptress,) 
And you, dear friend. I owe this gift to you. 
As fire proves gold, so gold proves men and 

women. 
It's magic spell hath, here revealed to me 
A loving heart that beats for others' woe. 
Your trial has been successful. I have found 
Solace and peace in loving this dear child. 

\ r , : - - Curtain, 



64 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

THE LIGHT OF THE CANDLE. 

A Complete Missionary Program for an Entire 
Sunday School. 

This entertainment has been produced in several 
churches, both large and small, but it could easily be 
presented in any Sunday School room or hall. 

The platform should have front curtains {sheets) 
and side curtains. For a background the usual choir 
loft of the church may be decorated with potted plants 
or sheets may form a back scene. 

The Primary Department should be seated with the 
congregation, in the first two rows, the Four Mis- 
sionaries about half way back, the choir in the choir 
loft, and all other characters behind the side curtains 
concealed from the people. 

PROGRAM. 

1. Organ prelude or piano solo. 

2. Invocation by the Minister see page 65 

3. Hymn by Entire Congregation, "America," or 

"My Country, 'tis of Thee." 

4. Colloquy. "The Light in America." 

Adult Class page 65 

Hymn, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory." 
Class. 

5. Exercise. "The Call to Arms." Bible Class 

page 71 

Hymn, "Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult." 
Choir. 

6. "Little Light Bearers." 

Primary School page 76 

Hymns, "Work for the Night is Coming." 

Children. 
"Jesus Bids Us Shine." Children. 

7. "The Light in Africa." Intermediate Class page 81 
March of the Zulus. Twelve Boys page 82 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 65 

Recitation, "A Plea from Africa" page 83 

Hymn, "He Leadeth Me." Male Chorus. 

8. "The Light in India." Older Girls page 86 

Hymn, "I Think When I Read that Sweet 

Story." Choir. 

9. "The Light in China and Japan." Boys and 

Girls page 89 

"Chinese Kite March and Song." 

Twelve Boys . . page 89 

Recitation, "A Chinese Boy." One Boy. .page 90 
"Japanese Cherry Blossoms." Twelve Girls 

page 91 

10. "Is it Nothing to You." Adult Class. . .page 93 

11. "An Appeal." Minister page 94 

Hymn by Congregation. 

Benediction by Minister. 

Minister. Let us arise for a short prayer, after 
which the congregation will remain standing and unite 
in singing our national hymn, "America," or "My 
Country, Tis of Thee." 

Let us pray. 

O Lord, give us a vision of the need of the Gospel 
in heathen lands. With the vision grant us consecra- 
tion of ourselves and our means to meet that need. 
Make us ready to hear, answer and obey the call to 
ministry. Bless all the peoples of the earth, O God, 
and bring in the era of peace and righteousness and 
brotherhood, through the grace of Thy Son, our Re- 
deemer. Amen. 

THE LIGHT OF AMERICA. 

(This selection and the eight following may be com- 
bined in one entertainment if desired.) 

While the last stanza of "America" is being sang 
by the congregation, the curtains are slowly parted, 
revealing a tableau, The Light of America. 

At the center of the platform and to the rear is a 



66 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

small elevation. On it is a fancy chair and to the R. 
of this chair a tall candlestick containing a large burn- 
ing candle. A tall young woman with flozving hair, 
white dress, American flag drapery and red liberty 
cap is seated on chair. Tzvo Heralds, dressed as boy 
scouts, stand facing the congregation at the R. and L. 
corners with horns to lips. 

All hold picture as the last four lines of <( America" 
are sung. 

After a slight pause America rises and the Heralds 
face her and salute, holding this position as she ad- 
dresses the congregation. 

America — 

America am I, the land of light, 

And peace and plenty. Meet it is tonight 

That I with reverent voice should thank the Lord 

That all my people dwell in sweet accord. 

No devastating war hath seared my land, 

Prosperity is seen on every hand. 

Thanks be to Him, the wondrous Prince of Peace, 

And speed the time, we pray, when war shall 

cease. 
And now, my heralds, bid my children fly 
To counsel with the mother-land, that I 
May here reward the brain and heart and hand 
That's brought this peace and plenty to my land. 

Soft music. The Heralds bow to America and 
back off at L. and R. America resumes her seat. 
Two blasts of the trumpet are heard. Wealth enters 
from L., comes to America and bozvs. America rises 
and Wealth stands at her L. hand, half facing her 
and half facing the congregation. End music. 
Wealth is a woman clad in rich flowing garments 
and zvearing many jewels and a crown upon her head. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 67 

Wealth — 

America, I claim thy listening ear, 

For I am Wealth. This land to me so dear 

Hath prospered by my bounty. A golden store 

Of wealth, extends from shore to shore. 

The forest, river, valley, field and mine 

I give to thee, to keep thy light a-shine. 

America — 

I bid thee welcome, Wealth, stand here by me, 
And let us hark to Agriculture's plea. 

Enter from R. Agriculture, a woman dressed in 
pale green, crowned with wheat and heaving several 
long stalks of corn. She stands at the R. hand of 
America and addresses her as did Wealth. 

Agriculture — 

On vine-clad hill, valley and mountain land 
My children reap and plough, with willing hand. 
Where'er I go the flag of Want is furled, 
Thy agricultural products feed the world, 
The luscious fruit, the cotton, corn and wheat 
Have given thee prosperity, and 'tis meet 
That I should claim reward from motherland. 

America — 

Dear Agriculture, stand by my right hand, 
Full well I estimate thy sturdy worth. 
Now list to Labor's plea to all the earth. 

Labor enters from L. and stands at the L. of 
Wealth. Labor is a working man wearing a work 
apron and square paper cap and carrying a tin dinner 
pail. 

Labor — 

Fair mother, I am Labor. Hark to me! 
The light of all the world is industry. 
A million shops and factories are mine, 
And all thy myriad children must incline 



68 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

The knee to me I give them daily bread. 
In paths of peace and plenty I have led. 
America — 

Labor, a worthy son art thou. I know 
The debt we owe thee. Here I do bestow 
On thee our confidence. Now stand by me 
And list to Education's plea. 

Education enters from R. and stands at R. of 
Agriculture. He is a scholarly looking man wearing 
cap and gown and carrying a diploma. 

Education — 

America, with pride I see thy light. 

Afar it gleams, a star in darkest night. 

Free colleges and schools now fill our land. 

Th.e light is Learning kindled by my hand. 
America — 

Most noble Education, welcome here ! 

But take thy place. Invention's drawing near. 

Invention enters from L. and stands at the L. of 
Labor. He carries a model of some invention. 

Invention — 

I' am Invention, harken unto me ; 
I claim a share of thy prosperity. 
With Edison and Morse, McCormick, too, 
And Robert Whitney, noble sons and true. 
We've given to the world the submarine, 
Reaper and steamboat, cotton gin, machine, 
Telephone, telegraph, steamboat, motor car! 
Mine is th.e light that shineth like a star. 

America — 

Invention, I am proud to call thee son, 

Stand here and hark to what Democracy's done. 

Enter from R. Democracy, a working man carry- 
ing a ballot box. He stands at the R. of Education. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 69 

Democracy — 

I am Democracy and here I bring 

The ballot box. It makes a man a king. 

Equality am I. The high and low, 

The rich and poor are equal. Well you know 

Freedom of thought and press and creed I give, 

Mine is the light that makes a nation live. 

America — 

Democracy, a favorite son art thou, 
With freedom's laurel wreath upon thy brow. 
You have uplifted me, so welcome here! 
But see, another daughter draweth near. 

Enter from L. Religion, a woman bearing a cross. 
Note: This cross and the stand for the same may 
often be borrowed from an Episcopal Church. The 
stand is on America's L. Religion stands at L. near 
the congregation. 

Religion — 

The light that shineth in the darkness, mother- 
land, 
Is True Religion. With a cross in hand 
I come to do the bidding of my King; 
Lift up the fallen and the gospel bring, 
Fight vice and conquer evil, strong in might, 
My strength comes from above. Christ is the 
Light. 

America — 

Religion, long I've waited for thy plea, 
I give the palm of victory to thee. 
And yours the light that in the darkness shines, 
More dear to me than all the gold in mines. 
Firm plant thy cross, tell all the sweetest story, 
That all the world in Christ's own cross may 
glory. 

At the words <( Firm plant thy cross'' Religion 
advances to America and plants the cross to Ameri- 



70 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

ca's L. They clasp hands, facing the congregation, 
and all the characters unite in singing. 

ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. 

Onward, Christian soldiers! 

Onward as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus 

Going on before. 
Christ the royal Master, 

Leads against the foe; 
Forward into battle, 

See, his banners go! 

CHORUS. 

Onward, Christian soldiers! 

Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus 

Going on before. 

Like a mighty army 

Moves the Church of God; 
Brothers, we are treading 

Where the saints have trod. 
We are not divided, 

All one body we, 
One in hope and doctrine, 

One in charity. 
Repeat Chorus. 

Crowns and thrones may perish, 

Kingdoms rise and wane, 
But the Church of Jesus 

Constant will remain ; 
Gates of hell can never 

'Gainst that Church prevail ; 
We have Christ's own promise, 

And that cannot fail. 
Repeat Chorus. 

Curtains fall at end of song. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 71 

THE CALL TO ARMS. 

The curtains are parted, disclosing America and 
Religion standing with clasped hands near the cross 
and the burning candle. 

Religion {addresses America) — 

Oh, America, the chosen, I have given thee the 

light, 
But the heathen in the distance still are wrapped 

in darkest night. 
Shall we pass them by unheeding cries of tumult 

and of strife? 
Shall we send our people to them with the word 

and bread of life? 
Far away are millions dying and shall we in 

Christian land 
Idly sit and idly listen and withhold the helping 
hand? 
America {replies) — 

Never. Sister, you have taught me, as you gave 

the light to me. 
Take it — go and teach the heathen far across the 
rolling sea. 
Religion — 

In China there are millions still 

That never heard of Him ; 
Oh, send the light of gospel truth 
Ere your own light grows dim. 
From Africa and India, too, 

Their plaintive cries ascend; 
America, they wait thy light — 
Oh, bid their sorrows end. 

The Japanese have hungry hearts 

Salvation's cup to taste ; 
The islands sob a restless cry — 

There is no time to waste! 



72 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Oh, send the light, and send the means, 

And missionaries, too. 
Pass on the gift that God hath lent 
And show your love is true. 
America — 

Hark to Agriculture. 

Enter Agriculture, comes down C. 

Agriculture — 

Is it nothing to me that the heathen cry 

For bread in some foreign land, 
When some at least may be amply fed 
By a little gift from my hand? 
America — 

And Wealth! 

Enter Wealth. She joins Agriculture and ad- 
dresses congregation. 

Wealth — 

Is it nothing to me that souls now die 

Across the rolling sea? 
I will open the purse strings and gladly give 
Gold and silver that they may be free. 
America (standing between Agriculture and 
Wealth) — 

My daughters, I'm proud and with cheerful heart, 

My light will I freely give. 
And daily I'll heavenward send my prayers 
That the perishing souls may live. 

Religion comes forward and addresses the con- 
gregation. 

Religion — 

For the service of the king, 
Wanted ! Let the summons ring ; 
Wanted over Africa's strand, 
O'er the burning desert land ; 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 73 

Wanted out in India's plain ; 
J Wanted in China and Japan! 
Let again the echo ring — 
Wanted! Wanted for the King. 

Wanted men of faith and fire, 
Men whose zeal can never tire; 
Men whose hearts are all aglow — 
To the world the Christ to show. 
Men who dare leave father, mother, 
Business, pleasure, sister, brother. 
Louder let the summons ring, 
Wanted! Wanted for th.e King. 

Two Men Volunteers rise from their seats in the 
congregation. First Volunteer addresses America 
and Religion from his place in congregation. 
First Volunteer — 

There's a call from the far-off heathen land ; 

Oh, what can we do for the great demand? 

We have not wealth like the rich, man's store; 

We will give ourselves — we have nothing more. 

The two Men Volunteers ascend the platform and 
stand at L. America and Religion at R. 

Second Volunteer (on platform) — 

We have little to give, but we've heard the cry, 

The still, small voice from the Lord on high. 

"Go bear my gospel o'er land and sea, 

Into all the world go ye — go ye !" 
Religion (addresses congregation) — 

Wanted, women, tender, true; 

Women's work none else can do. 

Women sit in darkness yonder 

While we hesitate and wonder; 

Sisters, give a helping hand, 

Take God's light to every land ; 

Hear ye not the echo ring ? 

Wanted — women for the King! 



74 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Two Women Volunteers arise in the congregation. 
The Third Volunteer addresses Religion from her 
place. 

Third Volunteer — 

Are we wanted, blessed Lord? 
Have we heard aright the word? 
We who are so weak and poor, 
Bringing naught of worldly store? 
Take us far across the sea ; 
We will bear the light for thee. 

They ascend the platform and stand at C. 

Fourth Volunteer — 

We will give ourselves to spread the light, 
We will pray and labor with all our might. 
We will give our feet, they shall go and go 
Till the heathen's story the world will know. 

First Volunteer — 

We will give our hands, till their work shall turn 
To the gold we have not, but they can earn. 

Second Volunteer — 

We will give our eyes the story to read 
Of the heathen's sorrow, the heathen's need. 

Third Volunteer — 

We will give our tongues the story to tell 
Till all Christian hearts with pity swell. 

Fourth Volunteer — 

Though, of silver and gold we have none at all, 
We give ourselves, for we hear the call. 

The Four Volunteers face Religion and kneel. 

Religion (addresses Volunteers) — 
Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim 
Salvation through Immanuers name ; 
To distant climes the tidings bear, 
And plant the Rose of Sharon there. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 75 

He'll shield you with, a wall of fire, 
With flaming zeal your hearts inspire, 
Bid raging winds their fury cease, 
And hush the tempest into peace. 
And when your labors all are o'er, 
You'll meet with Him to part no more. 
Before His throne of grace you'll fall, 
And crown the Savior — Lord of all. 
The Choir (concealed) sing: 

COME, THOU ALMIGHTY KING. 

Come, thou almighty King, 
Help us thy name to sing; 

Help us to praise! 
Father, all glorious, 
O'er all victorious, 
Come and reign over us, 
Ancient of Days ! 
All (unite in singing) — 

Come, Thou Incarnate Word, 
Gird on Thy mighty sword, 

Our prayer attend. 
Come and thy people bless, 
And give Thy word success, 
Spirit of Holiness, 

On us descend. 
(The curtain falls but the singing continues) : 
To Thee, great One in Three, 
The highest praises be, 

Hence, evermore. 
Thy sovereign majesty, 
May we in glory see, 
And through eternity 
Love and adore. 



76 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

LITTLE LIGHT BEARERS. 

The children of the school, who have been seated in 
the first two rows of the congregation, now rise and 
face the congregation. Led by the choir, or by a 
strong soprano, they sing: 

WORK, FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING. 

Work, for the night is coming, 

Work through the morning hours, 
Work while the dew is sparkling, 

Work 'mid springing flowers. 
Work when the day grows brighter, 

Work in the glowing sun, 
Work for the night is coming, 
When man's work is done. 
The curtains are parted showing the two Women 
Missionaries standing beside the lighted candle, which 
has been moved, to the R. and at back. The chair, 
cross, etc., have been removed. 

The children, still singing, march to the platform 
and fill it, also steps and choir loft. The Missionaries 
join the song. 

Work, for the night is coming, 

Work through the sunny noon ; 
Fill brightest hours with labor, 

Rest comes sure and soon. 
Give every flying minute 

Something to keep in store ; 
Work for the night is coming, 

When man works no more. 

Work, for the night is coming, 

Under the sunset skies ; 
While their bright tints are glowing, 

Work, for daylight flies. 
Work till the last beam fadeth, 

Fadeth to shine no more ; 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 77 

Work while the night is darkening, 
When man's work is o'er. 
First Child (addressing First Missionary, who 
stands at R. near front) — 
What can we children offer, 

Who live in this Christian land? 
Is there no work for the Master 
In reach of each little hand? 
Second Child (addresses First Missionary) — 
We plead for the little children 

Who have opened their baby eyes 
In the far-off land of darkness, 

Where the shadow of death yet lies! 
First Missionary — 

Oh, surely a hundred candles, 

Which even small fingers can clasp, 
May lighten so much of the darkness 
As a lamp in a stronger grasp. 

Missionary lights the candle of First Child, who 
marches and stands at extreme L., facing congrega- 
tion. As First Child takes position, Second Child 
advances to Missionary, who lights second candle. 
Note: The children carry their candles in small tin 
candlesticks, all alike. 

Second Missionary (lighting second candle) — 
Small hands may gather treasures, 

Even infant lips may pray ; 
Employ the little fingers, (Light third candle.) 
Let the children learn the way. 
Second Child marches and takes place beside 
First Child, facing congregation. Third Child 
does likewise. 

First Missionary (lighting candle of Fourth 
Child) — 

And then as the line grows longer, 

(Lights fifth candle.) 



78 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

So many candles, though small, 
May kindle a brighter shining 
Than a lamp would, after all. 
Second Missionary (lights sixth candle) — 
So the light may quicker kindle, 
And darkness the sooner flee, 
May little ones learn of the Savior 

(Lights seventh candle.) 
Both here and over the sea. 
(Lights eighth candle. The eight little candle bear- 
ers are now near front of stage , facing congregation.) 
First Child (turns to Second Child and says) — 
I hear that children suffer way off beyond the sea, 
And in their childish agony they call to you 
and me. 
Second Child (replying) — 

What can we do to help them in our bright and 

happy land? 
We are but little children who meet in our dear 
band. 
Eighth Child (to No. 7) — 

Still many deeds of kindness a little child can do ; 
Although we have but little strength and little 
wisdom, too. 
Seventh Child (answers) — 

We can send the gospel story and the joy of 

Jesus' love 
To the little ones who know not of the happy 
home above. 
Sixth Child (to congregation)— 

We can save our little pennies to send the light 

afar, 
We can pray for little children who have never 
seen the star. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 79 

Third Child (to congregation) — 

If I can't go to India, to China or Japan, 
To work for Jesus here at home, I'll do the best 
I can. 
Fourth Child — 

I'll tell of His great love for me, and how I love 

Him, too ; 
And, better far, I'll show my love in all that I 
may do. 
Fifth Child — 

I'll be a missionary now and work the best I may, 
For if we want to work for God there surely is 
a way. 
All — 

We'll pray for those across the sea, our offering 

we will send. 
Our candle beams will shine afar this great bad 
world to mend. 

Missionaries start to sing, children all join in, 
marching around the platform. 

jesus bids us shine. 

Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light, 
Like a little candle burning in the night. 
In this world of darkness we must shine, 
You in your small corner and I in mine. 

Jesus bids us shine first of all for Him, 
Well He sees and knows it if our light is dim. 
He looks down from Heaven, sees us shine, 
You in your small corner and I in mine. 

Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around, 
Many kinds of darkness in this world abound, 
Sin and want and sorrow; we must shine. 
You in your small corner and I in mine. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Jesus bids us shine as we work for Him, 
Bringing those that wander from the paths of sin; 
He will ever help us if we shine, 
You in your small corner and I in mine. 



THE MISSIONARY HEN. 

Recitation by Larger Boy or Girl. 

I know a funny little lad — we call him Careful Ben — 
Who has among his many pets a missionary hen. 
"A missionary hen!" you say; "what sort of fowl is 

that?" 
Just listen, and you'll all agree that she is called just 

right. 

Now Benny went to Sunday School and there he 

heard them tell 
About the children far away who hear no Sabbath 

bell. 
Ben's pocketbook was very lean, the pennies there 

were few; 
But Bennie's mother helped him out — she gave him 

work to do. 

He climbed the barn to hunt the eggs, he crawled 

beneath the stone; 
And his reward was one old hen that he might call 

his own. 
Dear me! The way that old hen laid was wonderful 

to view. 
She seemed to know her business well and sought to 

mind it, too. 
She was the missionary hen, for all her eggs he sold 
For pennies for the mission box, they were as good 

as gold. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 81 

Ben's pennies now are never scarce, he does not have 

to beg, 
For his old hen was like the goose who laid the golden 

She raised a brood of ten fine chicks, Ben drafted 

them all in 
To swell the ranks and revenue of his missionary hen. 
The children now sing some popular Sunday School 
song and march up in couples to the missionaries and 
hand them their offerings. Note : It is a good idea to 
have missionary boxes distributed to all the children 
four weeks before the entertainment. These little 
boxes are to save money in for the missionary offering. 

After the offering has been made, Doxology is sung 
and curtains are drawn. 



THE LIGHT IN AFRICA. 

CHARACTERS. 

Africa, a tall, stately brunette with marked ability 
as an elocutionist. Long dress falling in straight folds 
from the waist and ornamented with all sorts of cabal- 
istic signs cut from black and yellow paper muslin. 
Loos(e folds of red simulate the waist of the dress, 
which is sleeveless. Bands of tinfoil on arms above 
wrists and elbows. Curtain chains around neck and 
around waist. Spangled tunic. Over head is a wimple 
of dark striped material folded across forehead so as 
to completely conceal ends which fall in straight folds 
on either side. See pictures of the Sphinx and Cleo- 
patra. Long Egyptian fan made of palm leaf, painted 
green and unbound. /,./*; / - - 

Male Missionary, white suit. White helmet hat. 
See pictures of Stanley and Livingston. -- 

Twelve Zulu Boys, black cambric waists fitting 
close to convey idea of black skins, Long black stock- 



82 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

ings reaching thighs. Skirt of raffia, raveled rope or 
strips of burlap. This reaches almost to knees. Wig 
of black cambric covered with mattress hair and fast- 
ened under chin with elastic. Large rings of paste- 
board covered with tinfoil and attached to nose and 
ears with court plaster. Necklaces made of small 
pieces of straw on string. Spears of wood four feet 
long and painted black. Face, neck and arms blacked 
with prepared burnt cork which is easily removed with 
cold cream. Note: Do not try to use water to remove 
this cork. 

THE ZULUS. 
{This drill may be used as a number by itself.) 

The platform is bare save for a few palms with pots 
covered with leaves at corners. 

Music : Rather slow, weird minor piece. 
Curtains are drawn disclosing empty stage. 

a. Boys enter and march in circle twice around 
platform, lifting knees high with jerky motion. 

b. Straight line across rear of platform. Two lines 
if platform is small. Hold spears by middle high 
above head. Suddenly shout "a-ya-ya-ya-ya" in high 
pitch and run with short steps to front and motion 
as if to throw spears at congregation. Stand very still, 
leaning far over with spears poised. 

c. Straighten up. Spear carried like gun at shoul- 
der arms. Right-about-face. Go to rear with step 
described in a. 

d. At rear, part in center, half going R. and half 
L., down sides to front, hopping first on one foot and 
then on the other. When the front is reached the 
piano gives a sudden bang in bass notes and music 
ceases. All jump high at the bang and come down 
facing C. Bend over and look at C. Spears held as 
if to throw. Picture. Form large circle, all facing C. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 83 

e. Piano gives another bang. All jump as if fright- 
ened. Soft music. Jump around cautiously in circle. 
The circle grows smaller and smaller. Another bang. 
All jump as if frightened and rush to sides, making 
circle as large as possible. 

/. Whirl spears over head with R. hands. With 
left palm pat the lips rapidly while calling "o-o-o-o-o," 
making the trill boys often use. Face partners. Strike 
each other's spears in time to music. 

g. Join hands, caper and prance around circle. 

h. Drop hands. Jump around in circle, using step 
described in a. All go out at L., using same step. 

Curtains Fall. 



A PLEA FROM AFRICA. 

Curtains are parted disclosing Africa at C. near 
front. 

Africa — 

From Africa's jungle there comes a sad wail: 

Has a tigress been robbed of her young? 
Or from a poor lioness robbed of her prey 

Has that piteous moaning been rung? 

Ah, no ! From your brothers and sisters and mine, 
Though dark and ill-favored they be, 

Yet Jesus, our Saviour, for them also died ; 
To save them He hung on the tree. 

Come, list to that treading! A caravan comes! 

Of camels well laden with, wealth? 
Nay — of slaves chained together and bearing the 
gains 

Their masters have gotten by stealth. 



84 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Now hear the rude slaver with merciless hand 
Upon their bar'd backs lay the lash ; 

And one lagging back from hunger or ills 
Is killed with a club in a flash. 

Mayhap a sad mother was captured last night, 
When a raid on the village was made ; 

While they killed her poor husband and burned 
up their hut. 
From her mind will that scene ever fade? 

How bravely she struggles her grief to suppress? 

From hunger her strength is near wrecked; 
How heavy her burden ! How dear is the babe 

She's striving so hard to protect! 

But the slaver so cruel her weariness sees 
(Your sister, dear brethren, and mine!) 

And snatches her babe which he casts to the 
ground, 
But she must remain in the line. 

Oh God, thou avenger of widows, and judge 

Of helpless and fatherless child, 
Oh, send to the help of those poor fettered souls, 

Who live in this region so wild. 

Burn thou in the hearts of thy children the fact 
To this poor, burdened people we owe 

A duty of praying and giving of means; 
And this duty to some is to go. 

List! What is that clinking? A twelve-year-old 
lad 

Is bound to a log by a chain, 
Which he has to drag wherever he goes, 

Deliverance seeking in vain. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 85 

And yonder alone sits a helpless old man, 
His food and his drink nearly gone; 

Too old to be useful, he's left there to die, 
Ere life's race he fully has run. 

He tries to take courage with, sad, troubled heart ; 

Go tell them that Jesus hath said : 
"Let your heart not be troubled, believe ye in Me, 

Nor let it be ever afraid." 

As Jesus beholdeth these poor wretched souls, 
What doth he, my brother, require? 

Oh, can we in Zion sit idly at ease, 
With all that our hearts can desire? 

Oh, if 'twere our mother, or sister, or child, 
'Twas suffering on Africa's shore, 

Then would we not, brothers, be fervent in 
prayer, 
Or go or give all in our power. 

"Inasmuch as ye've ministered unto these, 

Ye have ministered unto me. 
Who doeth the will of my Father in Heaven, 

My brother and sister is he." 

Oh, crucify self; on the altar place all; 

Perform all your vows to the Lord ; 
Pray "Lord of the harvest, more laborers send 

Till Africa's blessed with thy Word !" 

The curtains are slowly drawn as Africa stands 
with outstretched hands imploring the congregation. 



86 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS. 

Curtains open showing Male Missionary seated at 
C. Candle burns near him. Zulus grouped all around 
him, some sitting, some reclining or squatting, but all 
listening eagerly as he sings. 

Male Missionary (sings, (( Jesus Loves Me") — 

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells 

me so, 
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He 
is strong. 
All (join in chorus) — 
Yes, Jesus loves me, 
Yes, Jesus loves me, 
Yes, Jesus loves me, 
The Bible tells me so. 

The remaining stanzas are sung by the Missionary, 
the Zulu boys joining in chorus. As last chorus is 
sung the curtains are slowly drawn. 



THE LIGHT IN INDIA. 

Exercise for the Older Girls. 

,*» 

The First Missionary (a woman) appears before 
the curtain and addresses the congregation. 

First Missionary. Greetings from India, ancient, 
continental, seeking India. In India there are more 
people than in the entire western hemisphere — North 
America, Central America, South America and the 
islands of the sea; only by adding to these the popula- 
tion of Africa will you reach. India's 320,000,000. India 
has always had, and still has, the most religious mass 
of people in the world. Even at this moment hundreds 
of thousands, probably several millions, are actually 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 87 

traveling, on foot, by cart or boat or train, to temples, 
shrines and sacred streams, seeking religious solace. 

Here Hinduism was evolved, Buddhism was born, 
and Jains, Sikhs, Parsees and Jews have lived and 
worshipped for centuries. Here Mohammed has a 
larger following than in any realm of the world. India 
was the first great country in Asia to allow a Christian 
church, but she has clung to the false and her age- 
long quest has failed. She is still under the blight of 
idolatry, the thralldom of superstition, the power of 
custom and the curse of sin. 

There is no happy girlhood or womanhood in India. 
Girls must marry before maturity. The census of 
1910 lists as widows 18,000 babes under five years of 
age and more than 330,000 widows under fifteen years. 
These widows have no freedom and are looked upon 
as slaves. They may not marry again, although they 
may be babes in arms when their husbands die. Be- 
hold a widow in India. 

Curtains are drawn disclosing India seated on small 
stool at C, costumed from head to foot in a snowy 
haik (sheet). It comes down over the forehead and 
conceals the lower part of the face, so that only the 
eyes are visible. A little practice enables the per- 
former to wear this costume gracefully. The Widow 
sits on a cushion nearer the congregation. She wears 
pink zouave jacket, narrow pink skirt, waist of white 
lace, and white lace head-dress partially concealing 
lower part of face. Many jewels. 

The Widow (speaks) — 

Within my curtained walls I sit, 

Dark screened with sable gloom; 
No ray of light, nor joy, nor hope 

Pervades my silent tomb. 
I look behind, 'tis only dark ; 

And forth, but all in vain. 



88 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Since no one cares, within my walls, 
Depraved I must remain. 

What have I done, what sin, what crime ? 

That in my prison I 
Must eke a dire existence out, 

And hopelessly must die? (Kneels to India.) 
Oh, India, my mother-land, 

To thee I cry in vain. 
Is there no solace for my woe, 

No comfort for my pain? 
India (speaks) — 

No one to speak a kindly word, 

No one to hear thy plea. 
A widow's life is living death, 

There's no one thinks of thee. 
Widow (speaks) — 

Oh, would there were some friendly breeze 

To bear across the sea 
A wretched widow's silent thoughts, 

That they might think of me. 

The Curtains are drawn. 

Concealed choir sings the hymn, "I Think When I 
Read that Sweet Story." 

After first stanza is sung the curtains are again 
drawn, disclosing the First Missionary (woman) 
seated in C. The candle burns beside her. Around 
her are grouped eight or ten girls dressed similarly to 
the widow. 

Missionary (speaks) — 

There lies a country far away 

Across the rolling sea, 
Where all behold the light of life 

And they have thought of thee. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 89 

There is a blessed Saviour, too, 
Who frees from sin and shame — 

For all there's life and joy and peace 
Who call upon His name. 

And sinners, too, and worthless ones, 

May His salvation know. 
He came to save the sinful world 

From heritage of woe. 
The blessed Lord is kind and good, 

And looks with pitying eye, 
On orphan child and widows, to. 

He hears each sad heart cry. 

All sing second stanza of "I Think When I Read 
that Sweet Story" as the curtains are drawn. 



LIGHT IN CHINA AND JAPAN. 

After the hymn, "I Think When I Read that Sweet 
Story" is finished, the organ strikes up a lively march 
and twelve Chinese boys, dressed in pajamas, round 
paper caps {black), to which are attached queues of 
long black yarn, and carrying large, gaudy paper kites. 
They march down the aisles in time to the music, hold- 
ing their kites high. They ascend the platform. The 
curtains are drawn on empty stage. 

MARCH OF THE CHINESE KITES. 
{This drill may be used as a number by itself.) 

a. The boys march once around the stage in large 
circle, then the leader leads the line inside the circle, 
making smaller circle, and so on, forming serpentine 
figure. Then unwind. 

b. Boys stand at rear facing congregation in two 
rows. They march to front and hold kites up for all 
to see them. Then march to sides, half going to R, 



90 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

and half to L., march up sides and across at back. 
They come down in couples. First couple marches to 
L., second couple to R., etc. 

c. Couples meeting at rear, they march down four 
abreast. First four boys sit cross-legged on stage 
near front. Second four boys immediately behind 
them kneel on both knees. Third four right back of 
them bend over, so their heads appear just above the 
h.eads of the boys in front. Fourth four stand imme- 
diately back of these. 

All sing, "Follow Me, Full of Glee." 

The march music is heard again. All stand up and 
face the L. The first four march to L., up L. side to 
rear, across rear to R., down R. side to front, across 
front and exit L. The second four fall in behind 
first four, the third four behind them, lastly the 
fourth four. Making a single file around platform. 
All march out at L. 

Enter Chinese Boy from R., dressed in gay man- 
darin coat, black sateen trousers, white stockings, 
small black skull cap with red button on top. 

A CHINESE BOY. 

(The following may be used as a selection by itself:) 

Chinese Boy (recites) — 

I am a little Chinese boy, of Jesus never heard, 
Oh pity me, dear Christian friends, and send to 

me His word; 
Oh pity me, for I have grief so great I cannot 

tell, ^ 
And say if truly there's a Heaven where such as 

I can dwell? 

They tell me that off in your land there is plenty 

and to spare, 
Oh, would I lived in such a land, those blessings 

all to share. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 91 

But you who have them, will you not lay by your 

mites in store? 
And send to us across the sea— and God will 

give you more. 

They tell me that you have your schools and 

homes so full of love, 
Where you can dwell in happiness approved by 

God above. 
They tell me that you have a book that you can 

read alway, 
Oh, send it here and let me learn the dear Lord 
to obey. (He goes out at L.) 



JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOMS. 

Music: Soft march. Tzvelve or more Japanese 
Maidens dressed in kimonos or mandarin coats, hair 
done high in pompadour style and decorated with 
fans and chrysanthemums , enter from R. Each one 
carries small bare branch about three feet long 
trimmed with bits of pink paper to represent cherry 
blossoms. 

a. March, once around platform in couples. 

b. Form two lines at rear facing front. March 
down. At given signal all kneel on both knees, put 
two hands on floor and touch foreheads to hands, thus 
saluting congregation. Rise and all march around to 
L. in couples, up to L. rear, then down C. in couples. 

c. Couples face each other about three feet apart, 
forming two lines at C. from front to rear. Raise 
boughs forming arch. Tableau. 

d. Last couple march down through the arch, sep- 
arate at front, one going to L. and one to R. Next 
to last couple follow them and so on. 



92 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

e. We now have two lines at the sides of the plat- 
form, facing toward rear. These lines pivot, swing 
around and form a single line across stage at front, 
facing congregation. 

All recite in unison — 

Happy little maidens of Japan are we, 
Growing like the flowers so far across the sea, 
Nodding in the sunshine, swaying to and fro, 

(Imitate.) 
To the left and to the right, when the breezes 

blow. 

Little cherry blossoms 

Flutter like a fan. (Flutter boughs.) 

We are little maidens 
Born in old Japan. 
Listen to the birdies singing in the trees, 

(All listen.) 
Listen to the buzzing of the bumble bees, 

(Bend Ion 1 .) 
Cherry blossoms blooming, everything is bright, 
Everything is sparkling like a sunbeam bright. 
Would you know the reason why we are so glad ? 
Only a short time ago we were very sad, 

(Shake heads sadly.) 
But a mission lady came from o'er the sea, 
Now we're little Christians, happy as can be. 

Little cherry blossoms, 
Flutter like a fan, (Flutter boughs.) 

We are little Christians 

Here in old Japan. 

Music as they march gaily out at L., waving cherry 
boughs. 

The curtains fall. 

After a slight intermission all the Japanese Girls, 
Chinese Boys, Indian Maidens, Widow and others in 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 93 

foreign costumes are grouped on stage. The Mission- 
aries stand beside the burning candle. 

All (sing) — 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
Praise Him all creatures here below. 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 

IS IT NOTHING TO YOU? 

(The following five verses may be used as a selec- 
tion by itself:) 

China (in mandarin coat, etc., addresses congre- 
gation) — 
Is it nothing to you, O Christians, 

That millions of beings today 
In bondage in ancient China 

Are rapidly passing away? 
They have never heard the sweet story 

Of Him who lovingly saves, 
Yet fourteen hundred every hour 

Are passing to Christless graves. (Steps back.) 
India (steps forward) — 

Is it nothing to you, O Christians, 

That in India's far away land, 
There are multitudes sadly needing 

The touch of Immanuers hand? 
They are famishing there and helpless, 

What spiritual food have ye given? 
Hour by hour twelve hundred pass, 

By death resistless driven. (Steps back.) 

Africa (steps forward) — 

Is it nothing to you, O Christian, 

That Africa walks in the night, 
While ye upon whom the lamp shineth 

Are failing to carry the light? 



94 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

There shadows of darkness fall deeper, 

We await the dawning of day ; 
While hourly the souls of eight hundred 

Benighted are passing away. (Steps back.) 

South America (dark lady in bright dress, black 
lace shawl and mantilla, red fan, high comb) ad- 
dresses congregation — 

Is it nothing to you, O Christian, 

That on South America's soil, 
There are seven and thirty millions, 

And few for the Saviour toil? 
Our people are rapidly falling 

Beneath superstition's load, 
Not knowing the message of mercy, 

The wonderful love of God. (Steps back.) 
Japan (steps forward) — 

Is it nothing to you, O Christian, 

The prosperous Sunrise Land, 
Has forty eager millions 

Where doors wide open stand? 
There Buddha binds his captive host 

With proud oppression's chains — 
Oh, break their iron-wrought fetters; 
Their freedom the Saviour claims. (Steps back.) 

The Minister steps forward. 

AN APPEAL. 

Minister. I think you are willing to help. What 
can you do, you ask? First, pray for the great world 
that needs Christ. Pray for the missionaries. Pray 
for the Christians who are withholding money that 
might be doing service for the Master. Pray for the 
women who say, "I am not interested in missions." 
Secondly — give! Give of your means as the Lord 
hath prospered you. Remember how those heroic 
people across the sea are sacrificing that the Cause 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 95 

may prevail. God might save the world without our 
help, but He is not going to. He offers to each one 
of us the greatest possible joy, the joy of service, of 
being a co-worker with Him in His great work of 
redemption. We are going to take up a collection 
for — {here specify the cause and explain in detail 
where the money is to go). The children have done 
their share. Will you do yours? "He that soweth 
little, shall reap little, and he that soweth plenteously 
shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according 
as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, nor of 
necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver." "If thou 
hast much, give plenteously ; if thou hast little, do thy 
diligence gladly to give of that little ; for so gatherest 
thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity." 
"Let your light so shine before men that they may 
see your good works and glorify your Father which 
is in Heaven!" 

All unite in singing hymn as collection is taken. 
Benediction by the Minister. 



MISSIONARY SONG. 

{To be sung to the tune of "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, 
the Boys are Marching," or "In a Prison Cell I Sit.") 

Far in heathen lands today, 

Little children kneel to pray, 
And to worship idols made of wood and stone. 

We will bring our pennies bright, 

Help to send the gospel light — 
Till o'er the world its beauteous beam has shone. 

Jesus died for all the children, 

All the children in the world. 

Red, brown or yellow, black or white, 

All are precious in His sight. 

Jesus died for all the children in the world. 



96 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Saviour, as our gifts we bring, 

We will own thee as our King, 

And thy love through all the earth we will 
proclaim ; 
Till thy name shall be adored, 
At thy feet its worship poured, 

And as Lord of all the nations Thou shalt reign. 

Jesus died for all th.e children, 

All the children in the world. 

Red, brown or yellow, black or white, 

AJ1 are precious in His sight. 

Jesus died for all the children in the world. 



ANNIVERSARY SPEECH. 

A year has passed and once again 
We meet with thanks to sing and pray 
God's blessing on our Sunday School, 
On this our Anniversary Day. 
We bless the Lord for this our school, 
We thank Him for our teachers true, 
Whose faithful work and constant hearts 
Teach us to love and be and do. 

The lessons they have taught us here 
Have bound us close to God above — 
Taught us to shun the evil way, 
Taught us to live in peace and love. 
Again we meet, a golden chain, 
Made up of loyal girls and boys — 
Each Sabbath day throughout the year 
Is marked by calm and peaceful joys. 
The heavenly host have sung with joy 
At souls redeemed and saved from sin — 
The teacher's work is Christ's own work- 
How true and steadfast they have been! 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 97 

The souls for which they toil and pray 
Are winnowed with God's golden grain, 
In spite of doubt, in spite of fears, 
Their labors have not been in vain. 

God's blessing on our Sunday School, 
God's blessing on our teachers true! 
And e'er another year has passed 
May He build up our faith anew. 



SUPPOSE. 

A Recitation for Children's Day. 

Suppose, my little lady, your doll should break her 

head, 
Could you make it whole by crying till your eyes and 

nose were red? 
And wouldn't it be pleasanter to treat it as a joke, 
And say you're glad 'twas Dolly's and not your head 

that broke? 

Suppose you're dressed for walking, and the rain 

comes pouring down, 
Will it clear off any sooner because you scold and 

frown ? 
And wouldn't it be nicer for you to smile than pout, 
And so make sunshine in the house when there is 

none without? 

Suppose your task, my little man, is very hard to get, 
Will it make it any easier for you to sit and fret? 
And wouldn't it be wiser than waiting, like a dunce, 
To go to work in earnest and learn the thing at once ? 

Suppose that some boys have a horse, and some a 

coach and pair, 
Will it tire you less while walking to say, "It isn't 

fair?" 



98 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

And wouldn't it be nobler to keep your temper sweet, 
And in your heart be thankful that you can walk upon 

your feet? 
And suppose the world don't please you, nor the way 

some people do, 
Do you think the whole creation will be altered just 

for you ? 
And isn't it, my boy and girl, the wisest, bravest plan, 
Whatever comes or doesn't come, to do the best you 

— Phoebe Cary. 



DINNA CHIDE. 
A Recitation for Mother's Day. 

Ah ! dinna chide the mother ! 

You may not have her long; 
Her voice above your baby rest, 

So softly crooned the song; 
She thought you ne'er a burden, 

She greeted you with joy, 
And heart and hand in caring you 

Found still their dear employ. 

Her hand has lost its cunning, 

It's trembling now and slow, 
But her heart is leal and loving, 

As it was long ago ; 
And though her strength may wither, 

And faint her pulses beat, 
None will be like the mother, 

So steadfast, true and sweet! 

You must revere the mother, 

Feeble and old and gray ; 
The shining ones are helping her 

Adown her evening way! 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 99 

Her children wait her yonder, 

Her good man gone before; 
She wearies — can you wonder? 

To reach the golden shore. 

Ah! dinna chide the mother! 

Oh, lip be slow to say 
A word to vex the gentle heart 

Who watched your childhood's day; 
Ay, run to heed the tender voice 

That crooned the cradle song, 
And do not chide the mother, 

You may not have her long. 

— Margaret Elisabeth Sangster. 



WELCOME, ONE AND ALL. 

Opening Recitation. 

Welcome, one and all, welcome here tonight, 
Heavenly blessings on us fall, working for the right. 

Happy folks are we, life's not made for woe — 
So smile a little on the way as through life you go. 

Let's be joyful here, everyone's your friend, 
We'll be satisfied if applause you'll send. 

Don't expect too much, we're only girls and boys, 
But we'll do our best to add to the season's joys. 

Come, friends, everyone, Let us all unite, 
Have a joyful time, celebrate tonight! 

Let me see you smile, the best that you can do, 
KeeD that iovful smile all the evening through. 



100 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Help us in our work, join us in our song, 
Tis a noble cause, send the word along! 

Welcome, one and all, welcome here tonight, 
Heavenly blessings on us fall, working for the right. 



TRY, TRY AGAIN. 

Recitation for Children's Day. 

'Tis a lesson you should heed, 

Try, try again ; 
If at first you don't succeed, 

Try, try again ; 
Till your courage shall appear, 
For if you will persevere, 
You will conquer, never fear, 

Try, try again. 

Once or twice though you should fail, 

Try, try again ; 
If at last you would prevail, 

Try, try again ; 
If we strive, 'tis no disgrace, 
Though we may not win the race ; 
What would you do in that case? 

Try, try again. 

If you find your task its hard, 

Try, try again ; 
Time will bring you your reward, 

Try, try again ; 
All that other folks can do, 
Why, with patience, may not you? 
Only keep this rule in view, 

Try, try again. 

— Selected. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 101 

A LITTLE BOY'S WONDER. 

Recitation for a Small Boy for Children's Day. 

I wonder, oh ! I wonder what makes ve sun go wound ; 
I wonder who can make ve flowers turn poppin' from 

ve gwound. 
I wonder if my mamma loves Billy more'n me ; 
I wonder if I'd beat a bear a-climbin' up a tree ; 
I wonder how ve angels 'member everybody's prayers, 
I wonder if I didn't leave my sandwich on ve stairs. 
I wonder what I'd do if I should hear a lion roar ; 
I bet I'd knock him on ve head and lay him on ve 

floor. 
I wonder if, when boys get -big, its dreadful in ve 

dark ; 
I wonder what my doggie thinks when he begins to 

bark. 
I wonder what that birdie says who hollers so and 

sings ; 
I wonder, oh! I wonder lots and lots of uver things. 
— Selected. 

VALEDICTORY. 
Closing Speech for Small Boy or Girl. 

It now, kind friends, devolves on me 

To speak our Val-e-dic-to-ry ; 
You've seen our exhibition through, 

We've tried to please each one of you — 
And if we've failed in any part, 
Lay it to head and not to heart. 
We thank you for your presence here, 

With kindly smiles our words to cheer, 
Our youthful zeal you do inspire 

To set our mark a little higher. 
But there's much more than words can tell — 
So, thanking you, we'll say fare-well. 



102 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

WHAT A BOY CAN DO. 
Recitation for Children's Day. 

These are some things that a boy can do : 
He can whistle so loud that the air turns blue ; 
He can make all the sounds of beast or bird, 
And a thousand noises never heard. 

He has all his powers in such command, 
He can turn himself into a full brass band, 
He can bark like a dog, he can low like a cow, 
And a cat itself can't beat his me-ow. 

You can tell that a boy is very ill 
If he's wide awake and keeping still. 
But earth would be — God bless their noise ! 
A dull old place if there were no boys. 



WHAT TO DRINK. 

Temperance Recitation for a Child. 

I think that every mother's son 

And every father's daughter, 
Should drink at least till twenty-one, 

Just nothing but cold water. 
And after that they might drink (pause) tea, 

But nothing any stronger, 
If all folks would agree with me, 

They'd live a great deal longer. 



JOLLY OLD SAINT NICHOLAS. 
Child's Recitation. 

Jolly old Saint Nicholas, 
Lean your ear this way ! 

Don't you tell a single soul 
What I'm going to say. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 103 

Christmas Eve is coming soon, 

Now, you dear old man, 
Whisper what you'll bring to me, 

Tell me if you can. 

When the clock is striking twelve, 

When I'm fast asleep, 
Down the chimney, broad and black, 

With your pack you'll creep ; 
All the stockings you will find 

Hanging in a row ; 
Mine'll be the shortest one, 

You'll be sure to know. 

Johnny wants a pair of skates, 

Susie wants a dolly, 
Nellie wants a story book, 

She thinks dolls are folly. 
As for me, my little brain 

Isn't very bright, 
Give me everything you've got, 

What you think is right. 

— Selected. 



QUESTIONS ABOUT WOMEN. 

For a Class of Girls. 

The teacher, or a larger girl, asks the questions and 
the scholars repeat the verse and give the reference 
to every question. 

What two men were hidden in a well by a woman ? 
II Sam. xvii:18, 19. 

What man asked his servant to kill him after he had 
been mortally wounded by a woman ? Judges ix:53, 54. 

What king caused a good man to be slain because 
he loved the man's wife? II Sam, xi:14, 15. 



104 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

What woman judged Israel? Judges iv: 4, 5. 

What man made a vow which involved the life of 
his own daughter? Judges xi:30, 31, 34. 

What man was twice betrayed by his wife through 
avowal of love? Judges xiv:16, 17 and xvi:15-17. 

What man received most hospitable treatment from 
a woman whom he sought, though, she knew him not ? 
Gen. xxiv: 17-19. 

What man was deceived by a woman and then 
treacherously slain by her? Judges iv:18, 21. 

What man refused to go to battle unless the woman 
he was addressing would conduct it ? Judges iv :8, 9. 

What man was saved from death by his wife's pre- 
tending he was sick? I Sam. xix:12-14. 



THE EASTER BONNET. 

Recitation for a Little Girl wearing a bonnet as 
described. 

Little Miss Violet, blooming and sweet, 

Has her new Easter bonnet all trimmed and complete ; 

The brim is rich purple with hair lines of black 

It flares at the front and fits close at the back. 

There's a bow-knot of yellow and strings of pea-green, 
A prettier bonnet has never been seen. 

But Miss Violet's careful and keeps it well hid 
In her underground bandbox and holds fast the lid ; 
If Easter is early, and March winds are cold, 
You'll not have a glimpse of the purple and gold. 

But when Easter comes late, you will see the whole 

place 
Grow, bright with Miss Violet's beauty and grace. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 105 

ADVICE TO A YOUNG MAN. 

Remember, my son, you have to work. Whether 
you handle a pick or a pen, a wheelbarrow or a set of 
books, digging ditches or editing a paper, you must 
work. If you look around you will see the men who 
are the most able to live the rest of their days without 
work are the men who work the hardest. Don't be 
afraid of killing yourself with overwork. It is beyond 
your power to do that on the sunny side of thirty. 
They die sometimes, but it's because they quit work 
at 6 p. m. and don't get home until 2 a. m. It's the 
interval that kills, my son. The work gives you an 
appetite for your meals ; it lends solidity to your slum- 
bers; it gives you a perfect and grateful appreciation 
of a holiday. 

There are young men who do not work, but the 
world is not proud of them. It does not know their 
names, even, it simply speaks of them as old "So and 
So's boys." 

Nobody likes them; the great busy world doesn't 
know that they are there. So find out what you want 
to be and do, and take off your coat and make a dust 
in the world. The busier you are the less harm you 
will be apt to get into, the sweeter will be your sleep, 
the brighter and happier your holidays, and the better 
satisfied will the world be with you. — R. J. Burdette. 



MY MOTHER'S BIBLE. 

Give me that grand old Volume, the gift of a Mother's 

love, 
Though the spirit that first taught me has winged its 

flight above. 
Yet, with no legacy but this, she has left me wealth 

untold, 
Yea, mightier than earth's riches, or the wealth, of 

Ophir's gold. 



106 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

When a child I knelt beside her in our dear old cottage 
home, 

And listened to her reading from that prized and 
cherished tome. 

As with low and gentle cadence and with meek and 
reverent mien, 

God's words fell from her trembling lips like a pres- 
ence felt and seen. 

Solemn and sweet the counsels that spring from its 

open page, 
Written with all the fervor and zeal of the prophet 

age; 
Full of the inspiration of the holy bards who trod, 
Caring not for the scoffer's scorn, if they gained a 

soul to God. 

So I cling to my mother's Bible, in its torn and tattered 

boards, 
As one of the greatest gems of art and the king of all 

other hoards, 
In life the true Consoler, in death e'er the Judgment 

Call, 
The Guide that will lead to the shining shore where 

the Father waits for all. 



TRIBUTE TO MOTHER. 

For Christmas Day or Mother's Day. 

On this happy Christmas morning let none forget 
mother; be she ever so far away, let some tribute of 
love be sent her. Honor dear old mother. Time has 
scattered the snowy flakes on her brow, ploughed deep 
furrows on her cheek; but is she not beautiful now? 
The lips are thin and shrunken, but these are the lips 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 107 

that have kissed many a hot tear from childish cheeks 
and they are the sweetest cheeks and lips in the world. 

Honor thy dear old mother. The eye is dim, yet it 
glows with the soft radiance of holy love which can 
never fade. The sands of life are nearly run out, but 
feeble as she is, she will go further and reach down 
lower for you than anyone else upon earth. When 
the world shall despise and forsake you, when it leaves 
you by the wayside to die, unnoticed, the dear old 
mother will gather you up in her feeble arms and 
carry you home and tell you of all your virtues until 
you almost forget that your soul is disfigured by vices. 

Honor thy dear old mother. Leave her dearly and 
cheer her declining years with tender devotion. 



ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE. 

O praying one, who long has prayed, 

And yet no answer heard, 
Have ye been sometimes half afraid 

God might not keep his word? 
Seems prayer to fall on deafened ears ? 

Does Heaven seem blind and dumb ? 
Is hope deferred? Believe — believe — 

The answer time will come! 

God heard thee — He hath not forgot, 

Faith shall at length prevail; 
Yea — know it! Not one smallest jot 

Of all his word can fail. 
For if ye truly have believed, 

Not vain hath been thy prayer ! 
As God is true, thy hope shall come — 

Sometime, someway, somewhere. 

— Mrs. Havens. 



108 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR DRILL. 

For Eight Boys and Eight Girls or Sixteen of 
Either Sex, 

COSTUMES. 

Boys, black trousers, white shirts, turnover collars, 
red ties. Red bows with streamers on L. shoulder. 

Girls, white dresses, red sashes. Red bows on L. 
shoulders. All carry C. E. pennants, red and white, 
on slight canes, the cane or rod about two and one- 
half feet 'long. 

Commander stands at one side concealed from 
view. He gives the commands in soldierly fashion. 
Bright march music. 

a. Enter from both sides at rear in couples, girls 
at right, boys at left. The double lines march for- 
ward to front of stage, turn to center and cross to 
other side. Pass completely around stage until they 
meet at rear. 

b. "Front face — by twos !" A boy and a girl. First 
couple reach front, halt and face to center. Second 
couple halts next, etc., until two lines are facing each 
other down the center of the stage. 

c. "Lines wheel — march !" Each line swings back 
from rear couple. That leaves the sixteen in straight 
line from L. and to R. at rear. The eight boys at L., 
the eight girls at R. 

d. "Hollow square — march !" First four boys 
march down L. side and face L. At same time last 
four girls march down R and face R. Second four 
boys march to front C. and face audience. Second 
four girls march and turn backs to audience. This 
makes a complete hollow square. 

e. "Ready — guard !" All face to C. Kneel on L. 
knees. Extend pennant across front of body to R. 

/. "Squad, rise — unfurl !" All rise. Hold pennant 
in front as at "present arms." 



GOOD THIXGS FOR S VXD AY SCHOOLS 109 

g. "Form star — march !" First four boys face 
front, second four boys face to R., second four girls 
face to rear, first four girls face to L., thus forming 
a star like spokes of a wheel. 

h. "Revolve — march!" The wheel revolves. 

i. "Revolve in couples — march !" The inmost eight 
hold positions, the outmost eight march once around 
in couples. Then the outer eight hold positions, while 
the inner eight revolve. 

/. "Company formation — march !" Eight girls line 
up at rear, the eight boys behind them. All march 
down to footlights. 

k. (All sing)— 

IF YOU HAVE A PLEASANT THOUGHT. 

If you have a pleasant thought, sing it, sing it, 
As the birds sing in their sport, sing it from the heart. 
Does the Holy Spirit move 
For the children of His love, 
Sing and point the home above, 
Sing it from the heart. 

Singing, singing from the heart! 
Oh, the joy our songs impart! 
Jesus, bless the tuneful art, 
Singing from the heart. 

(Sing the remaining stanzas and march out.) 
EPWORTH LEAGUE DRILL. 

Same as the one above, only use yellow and black 
for colors and use E. L. pennants. 



110 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

THE SILVER GRAYS. 
An Old Folks' Entertainment. 

1. The Committee must invite everyone in the 
church over fifty-five years old to come to the enter- 
tainment and must see that they do come. Automo- 
biles should be provided for their convenience. 

2. The Committee must see if any of the old folks 
care to appear on the program. One successful Silver 
Gray Entertainment consisted entirely of selections by 
the old folks themselves, but this was in a very large 
parish. Oftentimes unsuspected talent will be found 
among these dear old saints in Israel. An old-time 
fiddler adds much to the occasion, or "When You and 
I Were Young, Maggie," takes on additional interest 
and pathos when sung by one of the Silver Grays. 

3. Give all the old folks seats down in front where 
they can see and hear. Always keep in mind that the 
whole entertainment is for their especial benefit. Some 
of the very old ones might be given seats of honor 
upon the platform. 

4. The following program has been given with 
great success several times, and how the old folks did 
enjoy it. 

SUGGESTED PROGRAM. 

1. Short address and invocation by the minister 

2. Hymn by all standing: "Jesus Lover of Mv 
Soul. ,, 

3. Selection by the choir. The choir should wear 
old-fashioned costumes, the men in high collars (turn 
up a turned-over collar), bright vests, stocks, pow- 
dered hair, etc. ; the ladies in gowns of fifty years 
ago, huge bonnets, lace mitts reticules, etc. Sing the 
following selections : 

(a) Auld Lang Syne, page 57, "The Golden 
Book of Favorite Songs." 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 111 

(b) Old Folks at Home, page 56, "The Golden 

Book of Favorite Songs." 

(c) Cousin Jedediah, page 79, "The Golden 

Book of Favorite Songs." 

4. Recitation : "Out to Old Aunt Mary's." James 
Whitcomb Riley. 

5. Old-time Fiddler. 

6. Soprano Solo, Annie Laurie, page 66, "The 
Golden Book of Favorite Songs." 

7. Dialogue, "Little Grandmas," (see page 50). 

8. Duet, Old Gentleman and Old Lady, "When 
You and I Were Young, Maggie," page 24, "The 
Golden Book of Favorite Songs." 

9. Recitation. Dinna Chide, (see page 98). 

10. Songs by the choir, with choruses by congre- 
gation : 

(a) My Old Kentucky Home, page 60, "The 
Golden Book of Favorite Songs.". 

(b). The Quilting Party, page 62, "The Golden 
Book of Favorite Songs." 

(c) Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground, page 48, 
"The Golden Book of Favorite Songs." 

11. Old-fashioned spelling match between men's 
class and women's class, all in old-time costumes. 

12. Solo, with chorus by all. "Home, Sweet 
Home," page 73, "The Golden Book of Favorite 
Songs." 

13. "Song, "God be With You Till We Meet 
Again," page 86, "The Golden Book of Favorite 
Songs." 

14. Benediction by minister. 



112 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

A NICKEL TO THE LORD. 
He sat with reverential head 

And listened to the sermon strong; 
He heard the Holy Scriptures read, 

His voice joined in the closing song. 
The service touched a tender chord — 
He gave a nickel to the Lord. 

The day before he dined in style; 

He ate and drank the very best. 
The bill he paid and gave a smile. 

Life he enjoyed with hearty zest. 
Cheapness he bitterly abhorred — 
He gave a nickel to the Lord. 

The Lord had given him the life 
That he so thoroughly enjoyed, 

Had led him far from toil and strife ; 
His hours with profit were employed. 

And yet with all this great reward 

He gave a nickel to the Lord. 

— Selected. 



A TEACHER'S BIRTHDAY. 

Hail to the Judge, whose natal day 
Has rolled around once more! 
Let friend and neighbor hie them to 
His hospitable door. 
Pass on the tidings as you go, 
To greetings glad give tongue ; 
Not ninety-four years old today, 
But ninety-four years young! 

Erect and vigorous he treads 
The busy city streets ; 
His gentle dignity unbends 
To every friend he meets ; 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 113 

A handclasp firm, a courteous word, 
Ere passing on his way ; 
A sunny moment makes for those 
Who meet him day by day. 

His pastor inspiration gains 

From his benignant face, 

For every Sabbath sees him in 

The old accustomed place. 

Time's accolade has touched him 

With gentlest caress ; 

For blessed is the gray head found 

In paths of righteousness. 

The years that stretch behind him 
Number near a hundred strong, 
Heaped up with pleasant memories 
That to the good belong. 
May many more be granted him 
To walk his friends among! 
Not ninety-four years old today, 
But ninety-four years young. 

— Selected. 



EASTER FLOWERS. 

An' Easier Exercise. 

Each child and member of the Sunday School is 
expected to -bring a growing flower for this exercise. 
. After the exercise in the church or Sunday School 
the children all march to some hospital or almshouse 
and give the flowers to the inmates. Thus are they 
bringing light and cheer into the dark places. Have 
a short prayer at the hospital and let the children sing 
their Easter carols. You wiU be amply rewarded by 



114 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

the gratitude shining in the faces of God's sick or 
unfortunate. 

Use no cut flowers for this exercise, but have the 
platform arranged for the reception and display of 
the potted flowers to be given by the children. Use 
palms and ferns for background. 

1. Invocation. 

2. Easter Hymn. 

3. Responsive reading. 

Superintendent (or Minister). Christ our Pass- 
over is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the 
peace. 

School. Not with old leaven, neither with the 
leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the un- 
leavened bread of sincerity and truth. 

Superintendent. Christ being raised from the 
dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion 
over him. 

Bible Class. For in that he died, he died unto sin 
once;. but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 

Superintendent. Likewise reckon ye also your- 
selves to be dead indeed unto sin ; but alive unto God 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Girls. Christ is risen from the dead, and become 
the first fruits of them that slept. 

Superintendent. For since by man came death, 
by man came also, the resurrection of the dead. 

Boys. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ 
shall, all: be made alive. 

.Young Man (reads or recites). When the even 
was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named 
Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple. He went 
to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate 
commanded the body to be delivered. And when Jo- 
seph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean 
linen cloth .and laid it in his own new tomb, which 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 115 

he had hewn out in the rock, and he rolled a great 
stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. 

Young Woman (recites). And there was Mary 
Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against 
the sepulchre. Now the next day that followed the 
day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees 
came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember 
that the deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After 
three days I will rise again. Command, therefore, 
that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, 
lest his disciples come by night and steal him away, 
and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead ; 
so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate 
said unto them, Ye have a watch; go your way, make 
it as sure as you can. So they went and made the 
sepulchre sure, sealing the stone and setting a watch. 

4. Sunday School song by the pupils. 

5. Recitation by Young Man. The first day of 
the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was 
yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone 
taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth and 
cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, 
whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have 
taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we 
know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore 
went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the 
sepulchre. So they ran both together; and the other 
disciple did outrun Peter and came first to the sepul- 
chre. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the 
linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh 
Simon Peter following him, and went into the sep- 
ulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, 
that was about his head, not lying with the linen 
clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 
Then went in also that other disciple which came first 
to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as 
yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise 



116 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

again from the dead. Then the disciples went away 
again unto their own home. 

6. Recitation by Young Woman. When the 
Sabbath was passed Mary Magdalene, and Mary the 
mother of James, and Salome, had brought sweet 
spices, that they might come and anoint him. And 
very early in the morning the first day of the week 
they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll away 
the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when 
they looked they saw that the stone was rolled away ; 
for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre 
they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed 
in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 
And he sayeth unto them, Be not affrighted. Ye seek 
Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified. HE IS 
RISEN; he is not here; behold the place where they 
laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and 
Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee ; there shall 
ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out 
quickly and fled from the sepulchre; for they trem- 
bled and were amazed ; neither said they anything to 
any man; for they were afraid. 

7. Song. 

8. Recitation. Young girl dressed in white, bear- 
ing pot of lilies. 

EASTER DAY. 

We hear the chiming of th.e bells, 

On this glad Easter morn. 
The rising sun a message brings — 

The long, dark night has gone. 
And as the sun rose, so rose He, 

Our blessed Lord and King. 
So ring, ye bells ; and all mankind 

Lift up your voice and sing. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 117 

Let songs of joy ascend on high, 

Under the vernal skies, 
From all the churches in the world 

Let songs of joy arise; 
For Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord, 

They rolled the stone away — 
So lift your heart and voice in song 

On this glad Easter Day. 

9. Easter Anthem. Quartet or soprano solo. 

10. Three larger girls and three boys ascend the 
platform to receive the potted flowers from the chil- 
dren. 

First Boy — 

Bring flowers and lift your voice in song, 

And cast your eyes on high, 
If ye repent in faith and trust 

Ye nevermore shall die. 
So bring the flowers, bright Easter flowers, 
The sign of Life are they, 

A life triumphant over death — 

Rejoice, this Easter Day. 

Music as the Primary Department come forzvard 
and give their potted flowers to the six. 

Child {from Primary Department) recites — 
Easter flowers we bring, 
For our Lord and King. 

Flowers so sweet and rare 

Fill the house of prayer. 

They cannot speak, but with, their perfumed 

breath 
They bring a message, Triumph over Death ! 

Music as the Girls come forward with their offer- 
ings of plants. 



118 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Girl (recites) — 

The bulb is placed within the ground, 
It dies, but lives again. 
The brown bulb dies, but from its grave 
The living flowers ascend. 

So Christ was buried in the tomb, 
Near the city far away. 
But He arose and conquered death 
On the first glad Easter Day. 

11. Sunday School sings an Easter song as the 
boys come forward with their flowers and place them 
on the platform. 

12. First Girl (who receives the flowers) — 

Bring the lilies, fair as snow, 

In their upturned cups they show 

Lessons for us, told in love — 

Keep your eyes on Heaven above. 
Second Boy (recites) — 

Bring the sweet carnations, too. 

As their fragrance comes to you, 

Let your prayers ascend on high 

To your Father in the sky. 
Second Girl (recites) — 

Bring narcissus, tulips bring, 

For the service of the King. 

Type of Him who broke in twain 

Sin's relentless, deadly chain. 
Third Boy (recites) — 

Come with snowdrops, bring the rose, 

Every flower that lives and grows. 

Bring the buds the garden yields, 

Bring the lilies of the field. 
Third Girl (recites) — 

As the modest, simple flower 
Springs from bud or seed, 






GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 119 

So Christ rose on Easter Day — 
Christ is risen indeed. 

13. Hymn. While this is being sung, the remainder 
of the flowers are brought forward and placed 
on the platform. 

14. Recitation. HE IS RISEN> 

He is risen, He is risen, 

Tell it out with joyful voice, 

He has burst his three days' prison, 
Let the whole wide world rejoice; 

Death is conquered, man is free, 

Christ has won the victory. 

Come, ye sad and fearful hearted, 
With glad smile and radiant brow ; 

Lent's long shadows have departed, 
All His woes are over now, 

And the passion that He bore ; 

Sin and pain can vex no more. 

Come, with high and holy hymning, 
Chant our Lord's triumphant day; 

Not one darksome cloud is dimming 
Yonder glorious morning ray, 

Breaking o'er the purple East, 

Symbol of our eastern feast. 

He is risen, He is risen, 

He hath opened Heaven's gate; 

We are free from sin's dark prison, 
Risen to a holier state. 

And a brighter Easter beam 

On our longing eyes shall stream. 
Halleluia, halleluia, 

Christ the Lord is risen today! 

15. Prayer and Benediction. 

Note. — Any appropriate Easter hymns and songs 
may be introduced in this exercise. 



120 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

LITTLE MISS LONESOME. 

An Entertainment for Thanksgiving, Hallowe'en or 
Harvest Home. 

For an Entire School. 

CHARACTERS. 

Betty, a lonesome little girl. 

Mother Autumn. 

Farmer Lads. 

Little Picnickers. 

Six Stalks of Corn. 

Twelve Giddy, Gaudy Autumn Leaves. 

Seven Little Punkin Heads. 

costumes. 

Betty, a little girl of from twelve to fifteen years. 
Should be able to sing solo and should have a clear, 
distinct speaking voice and a winning personality. 
Hair down in curls. Old shoes, white stockings, rag- 
ged gray dress, little dark fringed shawl. 

Mother Autumn, soprano. Rich flowing robe of 
yellow, with mantle (or shawl) of rich red or brown 
over one shoulder. On her head bunches of grapes 
and foliage. Autumn leaves and red berries at belt 
and on uncovered shoulder. Should be an adult, tall 
and stately. 

Farmer Lads, young men clad in overalls, white 
soft shirt (or blue) , red \ handkerchief 's, large tattered 
straw hats. 

Farmer Lassies, young ladies dressed in blue 
checked all-over aprons, white kerchiefs at neck, white 
sunbonnets. 

Little Picnickers, primary department. Autumn 
clothes and hats. They carry small baskets. 

Six Stalks of Corn, tall boys or young men com- 
pletely enveloped in stalks of com tied around them. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 121 

Autumn Leaves, red, brown, green or yellow 
dresses trimmed profusely with autumn leaves. Crown 
of leaves. Each has ordinary parasol raised and the 
top covered with autumn leaves, securely sewed on. 

Punkin Heads, seven boys dressed in green clown 
suits, green stockings, gym shoes covered with green. 
Yellow crepe paper tied over heads to represent pump- 
kins. Sew the paper together in back, draw up the 
top with coarse thread, leaving no opening. Thread 
or cord run along lower edge and drawn up around 
neck. A roll of soft paper on head helps the "pump- 
kin" hold its shape. Eyes, nose and mouth cut in front, 
or pumpkin masks may be bought and worn. 



J A 

5/ Corn Shoe* 


O 

X 


o 

X 


A 

Corn Shock 


o 

X 


O 
x 


A\„ 

Dorn Shock y 


<70 xx 
/x y 
/ y 


y 




XX 
y 


j 


/ 


XX 
y 


or 
x\ 

y \ 



Front 

The Platform, for background have large boughs 
of trees with leaves on them and bright red apples tied 
thereon. Three large shocks of corn stfalks at rear, 
Mother Autumn concealed behind the C. one. 

Autumn leaves and real pumpkins on stage. The 
living leaves are seated, each concealed by her. um- 
brella, as indicated by Xs in the diagram. The living 
pumpkins lie prone on the floor in positions indicated 
by Y. The living stalks of com stand at the sides, as 
indicated by 0. 

All other characters are concealed behind side cur- 
tains at L. and R. 

Before the front curtains rise the Farmer Lads and 
Lassies are heard singing. 



122 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 



THE FARMER 

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THE FARMER. 

I'm glad I am a farmer the sturdy plow to wield, 
Or reap and bind the ripened grain that waves in 

yonder field. 
{Curtain rises disclosing tableau. The singing con- 
tinues as lads enter from L., the lassies from R, the 
girls pass in front, the men behind. Stand in couples 
and face front. All this during the singing of the 
second stanza.) 

I'm glad I am a farmer, his heart is always gay, 
And merrily his song rings out amid the new mown 

hay. 
O happy is the farmer, for when the day is o'er, 
The evening shadows gather round that he may work 

no more. 

(The couples stroll in a circle.) 
The merry summer evenings with his lassie by his side, 
He'll wander in the moonlight or take an auto ride. 

Enter First Maiden from L. She comes to C. and 
sings "Comin 9 Thro' the Rye!' 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 123 

(Then all stroll out at L. singing the first verse of 
"The Farmer" as before.) 

Note. — Any other harvest song or hymn may be 
substituted for the one given above. 

Soft music, prelude to Tosti's "Good-bye" Mother 
Autumn mounts on concealed stand and appears 
standing above middle corn shock. 

Solo, Tosti's "Good-bye" or similar autumn song. 
If desired, Mother Autumn may make, her entrance 
through the corn shock and stand in front of it as she 
sings. At the end of the solo she disappears behind 
C. corn shock. 

Soft music as Betty enters from R. and stands at 
C. looking around. 

Betty. Oh, what a lovely place, with leaves and 
corn and trees and punkins and everything. It is 
beautiful. It must be pretty close to Heaven. When 
a little girl is an orphan and has to work hard in a 
boarding-house kitchen all day, a place like this seems 
almost like a dream. All day I've been longing to 
come out into the woods and play, but none of the 
other children will play with me, 'cause I'm a poor, 
ragged little kitchen girl. And I get so lonesome, so 
awfully lonesome. Not a playmate, not a little friend 
in the whole big city. Nobody knows about me — and 
nobody cares. Only the policeman. I asked him if I 
dared come out here and he told me of course I could. 
Then he wanted to know why I didn't play with the 
rest of the children. I just had to tell him why I was 
so lonely, and that they wouldn't play with a poor 
little orphan like me. "So you're lonesome, are you?" 
says he. "Well, Little Miss Lonesome, don't you be 
discouraged. Remember Jesus loves you. You won't 
be lonesome any more if you remember that." 
Betty (sings) — 



124 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

I THINK WHEN I READ THAT SWEET STORY OF OLD. 

I think when I read that sweet story of old, 

When Jesus was here among men, 
How He called little children like lambs to His fold, 

I should like to have been with Him then. 

I wish that His hands had been placed on my head, 
That His arm had been thrown around me, 

That I might have seen his kind look when he said, 
"Let the little ones come unto me." 

In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare 

For all who are washed and forgiven ; 
And many dear children shall be with Him there, 

For "of such are the kingdom of heaven." 

But thousands and thousands who wander and fall 

Never heard of that heavenly home ; 
I wish they could know there is room for them all 

And that Jesus has bid them to come. 

Enter from the L. Country Lads and Lassies in 
couples, singing as they come. 

Lads and Lassies — 

bringing in the sheaves. 

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, 
Fearing neither clouds nor winter's chilling breeze, 
By and by the harvest and the labor ended, 
We shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves. 
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, 
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. 

Betty (at C). Oh, is it a picnic? Let me go with 
you. I'll be awfully good and won't make any trouble 
at all. 

First Lassie. We are hard at work gathering the 
grain. What would a little girl like you do with us? 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 125 

Betty. But I'm so lonely. I'd like to go with you 
awfully. 

First Lad. We haven't any time for children. 
We're not going on a picnic. We have work to be 
done. You stay here in the pleasant forest and play 
with the leaves. 

First Lassie. Yes, stay here. And here's a nice 
red apple for you. 

Lads and Lassies go out at R. repeating the chorus 
of "Bringing in the Sheaves" as they leave the plat- 
form. 

Betty. I wish they would have taken me along. 
But nobody wants me. Nobody cares at all. And 
I'm just as lonesome as I was before. 

The Little Picnickers are heard singing outside 
at L. 

Little Picnickers {concealed) — 

TO THE PICNIC 

Music on page 47. 
To the picnic, to the picnic, 

To the picnic away, 
We're off to the picnic, 

On this bright autumn day. 

The Little Picnickers enter from L. and fill the 
front of the stage, singing. 

Claude and Mabel, John and Willie, 

And little Marie, 
Are off to the picnic, 

So happy and free. 

Picking apples, gather walnuts, 

And dance in the sun, 
Playing baseball, dancing gaily, 

Oh, won't it be fun. 



126 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

To the picnic, to the picnic, 

To the picnic away, 
We're off to the picnic, 

This bright autumn day. 

Betty {timidly, to First Little Girl). Are you 
all going to a picnic ? 

First Little Girl. Yes, and we're going to have 
a perfectly scrumptious time. 

First Little Boy. And we've got sandwiches and 
cake and pie and pickles and cheese and bananas. 

Second Little Boy. And hard-boiled eggs, and 
cold ham and fried chicken and pumpkin pie. 

Second Little Girl {importantly). And I'm go- 
ing to make the lemonade. 

Third Boy. And we're going to play hide-and- 
seek and baseball and drop the handkerchief, and 
maybe we'll all go out in a rowboat. 

All Children. Oh, it'll be just glorious. 

Betty. I wonder if I could go along with you. 
You wouldn't mind, would you? I haven't any little 
boys or girls to play with at all — and I get so lone- 
some. 

First Girl. Well {hesitates), but — but — you see, 
you're not invited. 

First Boy. And we don't any of us know you. 

Second Girl. And you don't go to our school. 

Second Boy. And we've only got enough lunch 
for just us. 

Third Girl. I'd like to take you, but really I don't 
think you'd have a good time at all. Why don't you 
go home and play with your own little friends? 

Betty. I haven't got any little friends. I'm all 
alone. 

First Boy. No friends? That's funny. I never 
heard of a little girl who didn't have some friends. 

Second Boy. We're late. We'd better be going. 
I'm getting awfully hungry. Come on. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 127 

All Children {sing) — 

To the picnic, to the picnic, 

To the picnic away, 
We're off to the picnic, 
This bright autumn day. 

(Go out at R. singing.) 
Betty (stands at C. y speaks sadly). They've gone 
and left me, too. Nobody wants me. I guess the 
policeman was right when he called me Little Miss 
Lonesome. I don't care. I'm not going to grieve and 
fret about it. I know what I'll do. I'll have a picnic 
right here, all by myself. (Sits at C.) Just me. And 
I'll invite the leaves. (Looks around and sees the 
corn.) And the corn. (Sees pumpkins.) And the 
dear little punkins. I'll invite them to come to my 
picnic. (Picks up a real pumpkin.) 
Oh, little punkin, you're a funny fellow, 
With a big round face all yellow, yellow, yellow. 
And little leaves, so red and green and brown. 
Each get your little bonnet and your little party gown. 
And big Mr. Corn-stalk, with tassels in your hair, 
Can you come and visit me — would you really care ? 
Then listen, every one of you, 

To what I have to say, 
Little Betty Lonesome's 

Inviting you today 
To come to her picnic 
At half-past three, 
In Mother Autumn's garden, 

'Neath the apple tree. 
Oh yes, I'd most forgotten, 
The Fall time of the year, 
So darling Mother Autumn, 
I ask you to appear. 
Mother Autumn (behind shock calls mysteri- 
ously). Little Miss Lonesome, Little Betty Lone- 
some! 



128 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Betty. Why, what was that? I thought I heard 
someone calling me. (Rises and looks around.) 
There's nobody here. I guess it must have been my 
imagication. Now I'll go and get some water from 
the spring, and this apple and some hickory nuts, and 
I'll imagication them to be lemonade and fried chicken 
and chocolate cake with frosting nice and soft and 
'bout a mile thick. 

Mother Autumn (calls as before). Little Miss 
Lonesome, Little Betty Lonesome! 

Betty. I'm sure I heard somebody call. Maybe it 
is the autumn wind in the apple trees. I don't care. 
I'll just imagication some more and pretend its Mother 
Autumn and Mr. Corn-stalk and Lady Autumn Leaf 
and Little Punkin-head all coming to my picnic. 
Thank you, Lady Autumn, I'm quite well, thank you. 
I'm so glad you could come to my picnic. How are 
all your family progressing? And how is Father 
Autumn ? 

Mother Autumn (steps out and confronts Betty). 
He's quite well, thank you. And how are you? 

Betty. Oh ! Is it really you ? Or is it some more 
of my imagication? 

Mother Autumn. It is really I, the Spirit of Au- 
tumn. You have invited me, and so I've decided to 
come to your picnic. 

Betty. And I invited the leaves. Can they come, 
too? 

Mother Autumn.: Of course they can. Just 

watch them. ' . 

, o oft music. 

Betty. And the corn-stalks and the dear little yel- 
low punkins. 

Mother Autumn makes mysterious passes with 
her hands over the corn, the leaves and the pumpkins. 
They begin to stir. She continues her gestures. The 
Pumpkins roll over, the Corn-stalks stretch and finally 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 129 

the faces of the Leaves appear above their umbrellas. 
Music continues. All join hands and gracefully trip in 
time to the music around the astonished Betty. 

Betty. Oh, you've done it. They've come. The 
pretty leaves and the big corn-stalks and the dear little 
yellow punkins. They've all come to my picnic. Now 
I'll never be lonesome again. Oh, I am glad, glad, 
glad! 

Mother Autumn takes Betty by the hand and she 
stands with her at the rear surrounded by Corn-stalks 
and Leaves. 

The Seven Little Punkin Heads come to front 
and perform exercise "Seven Little Punkin Heads/' 
fully described on page 121. 

The Punkin Heads retire to the rear and join 
Mother Autumn and Betty. The Corn-stalks and 
Autumn Leaves come forward and take positions for 
their exercise. See page 132. 

Betty. Oh, isn't this the most splendiferous pic- 
nic ! I don't think any little girl ever had a nicer picnic 
than this. I'll never be Little Miss Lonesome again, 
for whenever I get lonely I'll come out here and invite 
all of you to have another picnic with me. (Yawns.) 
Excuse me. It isn't polite to yawn when you've got 
company, but I can't help it. I guess I'm a little bit 
sleepy. 

Mother Autumn (coming to her, front center). 
Of course you are. Johnny Punkin Head, run out and 
pick a toad stool for me. Get a large one, then I'll sit 
on it and sing you to sleep, just like your mother used 
to do. 

First Punkin Head brings in a stool made with 
paste, paint and pasteboard to resemble a toad stool. 
Mother Autumn sits on it and takes Betty in her 
lap. Others sit down. 

Betty (sleepily). Just like my mother used to do. 



130 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Oh, isn't this the most splendiferous picnic! (Pause.) 
I guess I'll go to sleep, 'cause I'm so awfully, awfully 
— sleepy. And — I'll — never be lonesome — any — more. 

Mother Autumn sings first verse of a lullaby, the 
leaves\, stalks and "punkins" nodding sleepily. They 
all join in chorus as they stretch arms, yawn, etc. 

Mother Autumn sings second verse and just as 
she sings the last line of the second chorus, all are 
asleep. Tableau. 

Very Slow Curtain. 

— Walter Ben Hare. 
Written especially for this collection. 



SEVEN LITTLE PUNKIN HEADS. 

For Seven Small Boys. ' 
costumes. 

Green clown suits trimmed with pumpkin leaves. 
Green stockings and gym shoes covered with green. 
Yellow pumpkin heads on, made of paper gathered at 
top and bottom, or yellow pumpkin masks. Nose, 
eyes and mouth cut in faces. 

a. March once around stage to lively march tune, 
using lockstep standing very close together, the arms 
of each boy around the waist of the boy in front. 
Arms of the leader over his head. 

b. Each boy raises right foot which is caught by 
the right hand of the boy behind. Form complete 
circle and hop once around on L. foot. Go the other 
way hopping on R. foot. Be sure this is done in time 
to the music. 

c. All leap-frog once around stage in large circle. 

d. Numbers 2, 4 and 6 stand at rear facing front. 
Nos. 3, 5 and 7 in front of them. No. 1 at L. near 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 131 

audience. Nos. 3, 5 and 7 get down on hands and 

knees. Nos. 2, 4 and 6 take hold of the feet of the 

boy in front of them, and raising them all march 

to front, 3, 5 and 7 slapping hands down on floor in 

time to music. No. 1 turns handspring at L front 

near audience. 

e. All stand in straight line facing audience, about 

half way back. Standing very close together, all face 

to L and sit down on the boy back of you. All fall 

in a scramble on stage. Turn somersaults, etc. 

/. All come down to front in straight line, face 

audience, music ends. All start to jump up and down 

in unison, do not move to L. or R. but keep jumping 

all through the recitation. 

All — 

Seven little punkin heads always full of tricks, 

Brother {insert name of preacher) picked one, 

Then there were six. 

(No. 7 sits cross-legged on stage.) 

Six Remaining — 

Six little punkin heads very much alive, 

Mr. ate one, then there were five. 

~ -d (No. 6 sits.) 

Five Remaining — J 

Five little punkin heads standing by the shore, 

Jimmy tumbles in the crick, then there were four. 

it -n (No. 5 sits.) 

Four Remaining — v u J 

Four little punkin heads jumping here you see, 

John stubbed his big toe, then there were three. 

_ -d (No. 4 sits.) 

Three Remaining — v 

Three little punkin heads yelling hip huroo, 

One bust himself in two, and there were two. 

rn ts (No. 3 sits.) 

Two Remaining — 

Two little punkin heads having lots of fun, 

Jack Frost nipped one, then there was one. 

(No. 2 sits.) 



132 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Last One (still jumping) — 

One little punkin head, guess I'd better run, 
Before they make me into pie. (Sits.) Now there 
are none. 
All (rise and repeat without jumping) — 
It's purty near time for Thanksgiving, 

Alas and alack, oh, my! 
Each, of the seven little punkins 
Is going to be made into pie. 

(All weep and exit L.) 



THE GIDDY GAUDY AUTUMN LEAVES. 

Exercise for Harvest Home or Thanksgiving. 
Tivelve Girls. 

COSTUMES. 

Red, brown, green or yellow dresses trimmed with 
autumn leaves. Chaplets of autumn leaves. Each has 
common parasol, the top of which is covered with 
leaves securely sewed on. 

Music: "Work, for the Night is Coming," played 
in strict march tempo and rather faster than usual. 

Step: Step out with R. foot, weight on it. 

Cross L. over R., nod head to R., raise on R. 

toe. 
Step out with L. foot, weight on it. 
Cross R. foot over L. daintily. Raise slightly 

on L. toe., etc. 
On the words "Gaily the leaves are dancing,'' 
the leaves should have advanced four steps. 

Song by the Twelve Leaves — 

Gaily the leaves are dancing, 

Merrily here and there, 
Gaily the winds of autumn 

Blow us everywhere. 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 133 

Dressed up in green and yellow, 

Golden and red and brown, 
Led by the winds of autumn, 

Gaily flutter down. 

Maple and oak and poplar, 

Merrily in the breeze, 
Laughing and skipping gaily, 

Saying, "Good-bye, trees !" 
Dressed up in green and yellow, 

Golden and red and brown, 
Led by the winds of autumn, 

Gaily flutter down. 

At the beginning of the exercise the Leaves are in 
two rows at the rear, their parasols on the floor back 
of them. 

Note. — Place parasols in such, a position that they 
may be easily grasped by the owners as they pass. 

a. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in front row; 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 
12 in rear row. The girls join hands, raise them high 
and advance toward audience in two rows, using the 
step described above. This on the first four lines of 
the song. On last four lines of first verse, 1, 2 and 3 
turn backs to front and face 7, 8 and 9 and these six 
form circle at R. ; 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12 do same at L. 

b. The girls do not sing second stanza at once, but 
the music continues. Resume first picture, two lines 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in front; 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 behind. 
Using same step 1 and 7 join hands, dance to L. cor- 
ner, up L. side and across back, followed by 2 and 8, 

3 and 9. At the same time 6 and 12 do likewise, going 
to R., up side and across back, followed by 5 and 11, 

4 and 10. 

c. 1, 7, 6 and 12 come down four abreast, then 

2, 8, 5 and 11, then 3, 9, 4 and 10. Each four crosses 
hands and forms three Xs, one L. front, one C. rear 
and one R. front. Dance around in X four times. 



134 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Then form large circle, the twelve joining hands. Go 
around twice, once each way. All dance to position 
of first picture and take up parasols. 

d. Girls advance toward front in two rows; 1, 2, 3, 
4, 5 and 6 in front row, parasols held over heads. 
They do this while singing the first four lines of the 
second stanza. 

e. While singing the last four lines of the second 
stanza, all put parasols under right arms, the top of 
the parasol close to the body like a shield. With L. 
hands twirl the parasols in time to the music; 1, 2, 3 
and 4 sit cross-legged on stage, 5, 6, 7 and 8 kneel 
immediately back of them; 9, 10, 11 and 12 stoop 
behind 5, 6, 7 and 8. All form picture smiling at 
audience. 

/. Repeat entire first stanza in this position, twirl- 
ing the parasols like shields. Rise in three rows and 
assume first picture. 

{If this drill is desired to be augmented, or if it is 
used with the dialogue, "Little Miss Lonesome/' have 
six tall boys or young men as Cornstalks, with corn- 
stalks tied around body, standing at rear.) 

g. Music continues as before; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 
march to front, using the same step above described, 
then march to L. and up L. to rear, all face to C. ; 
7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 do the same thing at R. 

Now we have the twelve leaves at R. and L. of 
stage in lines from front to back and all facing toward 
C. 

The six Corn-stalks now come to front and bow to 
audience. 

The Corn-stalks are designated as A, B, C, D, E 
and F. 



GOOD THIXGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 135 

h. Form this picture, using music and step as 
before : 

l-C-2 7-F-8 

3-B-4 9-E-10 

5-A-6 ll-D-12 

The Leaves bow to the Corn-stalks, parasols over 
heads. Each Leaf walks completely around her Corn- 
stalk partner. Leaves kneel, hold parasols as shields 
and twirl. 
All (sing) — 

Leaves and corn-stalks merry, 

In the autumn days, 
Sing in the fields and by-ways, 
Dance in autumn haze. 

(Leaves rise, parasols over head.) 
Maple and oak and poplar, 
Each in her party gown, 

(Promenade in threes.) 
Led by the winds of autumn, 
Gaily flutter down. 

(Line up in three lines at rear.) 

Curtain. 



THE RICH OLD MAID. 
A Thanksgiving Monologue. 

Miss Mollie Applegate, aged forty- five. Wealthy 
and precise little old maid, seated before her dressing 
table. Handsome black dress with white lace collar 
and cuffs. She is giving the finishing touches to her 
toilet and speaks her thoughts while so doing. Vase 
of red carnations on table. 

I hope that little chatterbox of a maid won't put 
her foot inside the room again while I am dressing 
for church. Indeed I do, Mollie Applegate! (Nods 



136 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

at herself in mirror.) Sometimes a woman likes to 
be alone with her thoughts. 

Alone. I suppose that most people imagine that I 
am always alone. No doubt they feel sorry for me 
and call me an old maid because I haven't seen fit to 
get marrjed just to please them. But that's my affair, 
not theirs. 

I suppose, too, it's only natural that the gossips 
should be coupling my name with that of Deacon 
Brown. Let me think. His wife has been dead two 
years now. And the twin girls, Hetty and Betty, why 
the little darlings must be about half-past ten, bless 
'em, and there never was a prettier and brighter pair 
of girls in all the world. They are both the very 
image of their father. (Sighs.) 

Of course, everybody knows the Deacon and I were 
good friends in our young days. And perhaps they 
did think we would marry ; but we didn't. And now — 
I wouldn't have the old codger as a Christmas gift. 
(Slight pause.) But I would just love to have a 
chance of mothering those two sweet little girls. I 
know they love me and would rather have me for 
their second mother than anyone else in the universe. 
But that's where the Deacon would come in again. 
If I could only have the girls without him. But it's 
not to be; I just can't think of marrying their father. 

See here, Mollie Applegate, quit this dreaming and 
put on your coat and hat or you'll never get to church 
this Thanksgiving morning. It's no difference any- 
way. What have I to be thankful for? True, I have 
good health and an abundance of time and a super- 
abundance of money. But nobody loves me in par- 
ticular, excepting where my money may help them 
out. I declare, life seems to be so mercenary. It is 
like a sacrilege for me to go through, the form of 
going to service and pretending to be thankful when 
I'm not. I hate shams. (Knock at door.) 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 137 

What is it? (Goes to door, takes message, looks 
at it.) A special delivery. I wonder whom it's from. 
(Opens it.) Deacon Brown! Well, I never! (Looks 
in mirror.) Mollie, girl, the Deacon has actually pro- 
posed to you, and if you'll accept him you are to wear 
a red carnation to the Thanksgiving service. I won't 
do it. The very idea. I said I wouldn't take him as a 
Christmas gift and I won't. (Pause.) And yet (pause) 
I won't. I said I wouldn't, and I won't. (Pause.) 
Hetty and Betty will be so disappointed. Dear 
little things! (Half pulls carnation from vase.) And 
they have no one to look after them. (Puts it back.) 
I won't do it. I won't. I won't. (Pause.) And yet — 
(Pins on carnation.) Thanksgiving Day. Everybody 
is thankful, and so am I. Glad and happy. I'll have 
a chance to mother Betty and Hetty, even if I have to 
mother the Deacon, too. But, after all, he's a dear. 
The bells are ringing for service. Thanksgiving bells. 
Ring on, ring on, my heart is full of thanks. And I 
didn't tell a lie. I said I wouldn't have him for a 
Christmas gift. But this is Thanksgiving — and a 
Thanksgiving gift is a different thing altogether. 
Marie, tell the Chauffeur I'm all ready. I'm going to 
give thanks for my Thanksgiving gift. (Goes out.) 

— Annabel Lawrence. 
Especially written for this) collection. 



A SANTA CLAUS MONOLOGUE. 

For a jovial, stout, middle aged man wearing the 
traditional costume. Sleigh bells heard outside. 

Santa Claus (outside). Here, here; stop here. 
This is the place. Whoa, Dancer! Whoa, Dasher! 
Whoa, Donner and Blitzen! Whoa! Stop them rein- 
deers. This is the place. Now help me out. {Bells 



138 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

stop.) Hello, leedle boys und girls, where are you 
yet already ? Where must I come ? Do I have to come 
down the chimney? 

Enters. 

No, I didn't have to come down the chimney. It's 
such a leedle chimney, und I'm getting to be a pretty 
old fellow already. (Looks at audience.) Vy, look 
who's here. Hello, vonce again, already yet. Merry 
Christmas to you all. Merry, merry Christmas! I 
guess you don't know who I am. Do you? (Looks 
at small boy or girl.) Say, leedle von, who am I? 
Do you know? Santa Claus? Dot's right. Ain't it 
funny he (or she) knew who I vos the first time. 

Vait till I take my pack off my back und I must 
get my breath. I just arrived all der vay from der 
North Pole in my sleigh wot is pulled through the 
clouds by sixteen reindeers. My, ve vent so fast dat 
I ain't got any breeze left in my body yet already. 
But I got some presents left in my sack. 

I used to be young myself vonce, but dot vos a long, 
long time ago. But I never forgot it. Und dot is the 
reason vy I come every Christmas und bring toys and 
good things to eat to all children. No, not to all chil- 
dren. Only to good leedle boys and girls. If you've 
been bad, you don't get none. Now, tell me, have 
any of you been bad leedle boys und girls? Speak up? 
Vos you a good leedle boy or vos you a bad leedle 
boy? (To boy in audience.) Oh, ho, you vos good, 
eh? Dot's funny. It's funny how nearly every leedle 
boy und girl in der whole world is so good just before 
Christmas. No matter how bad they are at other 
times, just now everybody is good leedle boys und 
girls, ain't it? 

Now, call me out der names of all der very leedle 
boys und girls und I see vot old Sandy Claus has got 
for em. (Roll is called, Santa Claus making funny 
remarks, such as, "Is he good?" "Does she help her 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 139 

papa and mamma?" "Does he make good marks at 
school? He does. I vonder vot his teacher says to 
dot?" "He's a leedle much too fond of der girls" etc.) 

I'll make some nice ice and snow come so {name 
boy) can take {name girl) out sleigh riding. Und for 
Mr. {insert name), Til bring him a nice wife for a 

Christmas present. Und for Miss , Til bring her 

a nice leedle poll parrot. {Etc., making as many local 
hits as possible.) 

Und now dot's all. Everybody has got somedings, 
ain't it? Veil, I got about ninety-nine thousand oder 
places to visit yet tonight; so good-bye, leedle boys 
und good-bye leedle girls until next year already yet. 
{Goes out.) Ho, Prancer, vake up. I've got to go. 
{Bells ring.) Good-bye, good-bye. 



THE FIRST CHRISTMAS, OR THE NATIVITY. 

A Miracle Play. 

As presented by the company of Shearmen and 
Tailors at Coventry in the thirteenth century. 

characters. 
First Shepherd. First Angel. 

Second Shepherd. Second Angel. 

Third Shepherd. First Wise Man. 

Joseph. Second Wise Man. 

Mary. Third Wise Man. 

An Angelic Choir. 

The Shepherds wear rough robes of gunny-sack- 
ing coming to the knees, bound at the waist with 
leather girdle. Long white or gray stockings. Gunny- 
sacks tied around the feet. Rough felt hats, old and 
tattered. Rough shepherd's crooks. 

Joseph wears a draped robe of black or gray. A 
cassock, such as is worn by Episcopal ministers or 



140 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

choir men, might be worn. Over this drape a dark 
colored shawl. 

Mary wears a drapery of dark blue with soft white 
drapery around head and face. 

Angels, long robes of flowing white. Hair flow- 
ing. Stars on foreheads. 

Wise Men, cassocks of black. Bright draperies. 
Flowing headdress and crozvns. 

For the arrangement of the stage build a rough shed 
with sloping roof at R. of stage. The front is con- 
cealed by dark curtains that are to be removed at the 
proper time. The wlwle shed should extend about 
six or ten feet on stage, according to she of stage. 
Cover the roof with white sheets, with cotton here 
and there. Inside have straw scattered around, a pile 
of rough timber at one side. Overturned baskets for 
Mary and Joseph to sit upon. Lighted candles on a 
rough old box. 

Outside build a small hill at rear. Cover entire 
stage with white sheets, with cotton here and there. 
Nail small bare trees here and there with cotton at- 
tached -to limbs. 

Shade all the lights with blue. Have a powerful 
light to throw onto manger at the proper time. 

The Lord is represented by the bundle of fair linen 
carried by Mary. 

As curtain rises, First Shepherd is seen alone. 

First Shepherd — 

Now God that art in Trinity, 
Thou sawest my fellows and me; 
I know not where my sheep can be — 
The night it is so cold. 

(Walks about at front.) 
Now is it nigh, the middest of the night, 
My sheep are dark and dim of light, 

(Looks around for sheep.) 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 141 

That of them I can have no sight, 

Standing here on this wold. 
But now to make their hearts light, 
Now will I full right, 

Stand upon this loe. 

(Goes to elevation at rear.) 
And to them cry with all my might : 
Full well my voice they know, 
What ho, fellows, ho, hoo, ho ! 

Pause. The First Shepherd sinks down upon the 
hill. Enter the Second and Third Shepherd from 
L. They stand at L. front. 
Second Shepherd — 

Hark, Sym, hark! I hear our brother on the loe, 
That was his voice, right well I know, 
Therefore towards him let us go, 

And follow his voice aright. (They go to hill.) 
See, Sym, see where he doth stand; 
I am right glad we have him found. 
Brother, where hast thou been so long, 
And it is so cold this night ? 
First Shepherd— 

Oh, friends ! there came a pyrie of wind 

With a mist suddenly, 
That forth, off my ways went I, 
And great distress then made I, 

And was full sore af right; 
Then where to go wist I not whither, 
But traveled on this hill thither and thither, 
I was so weary of this cold weather, 
That near was passed my might. 

_, ' (They come to front.) 

Third Shepherd — 

Brother, now we be past that fright, 

And it is far within the night ; 

Full soon will come the bright day's light, 

It draweth near full tide. 



142 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Here awhile let us rest (They sit down.) 

And repast ourselves of the best. 

Till that the sun rise in the east, 
Let us all here abide. 

(Pause. They eat, and drink from flasks.) 

Brother, look up and behold, 

What thing is yonder that shineth so bright? 

As long as ever I have watched my fold 

Yet saw I never such a sight 
In field. 

Aha! Now has come the time that our fathers 
hath told, 

That in the winter's night so cold 

A child would be of maiden born 

In whom all prophecies shall be fulfilled. 
First Shepherd — 

Truth it is without nay, 

So sayeth the prophet Isaye, 

That a child should be born of a maid so bright 

In winter, nigh the shortest day, 

Or else in the middest of the night. 
(Angels sing, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing/') 
Third Shepherd — 

Hark, they sing above in the clouds clear! 

Heard I never of so bright a choir. 

Now gentle brothers, draw we near 

To hear their harmony. 

^ * (They rise and qo tozvard L.) 

First Shepherd — v 

Brother, solace is come us among 

For, by the sweetness of their song, 

God's Son is come, whom we have looked for 

long, 

As signifieth this star we do see. 

Second Shepherd — 

Glory to God in the highest was their song, 

How say you, fellows ? Said they not thus ? 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 143 

First Shepherd — 

That is well said, now go we hence, 
To worship that child of high magnificence, 
And let us all sing in His presence, 
Peace on earth, good will to men. 

{They go out at L.) 
The curtain concealing the manger is drawn aside, 
revealing Joseph seated on an overturned basket amid 
straw. Candle burning on old box near him. 
Joseph — 

Now, Lord, this noise that I do hear 

With this great solemnity, 
Greatly amended hath my cheer, 
I trust high news will shortly be. 
(Angels sing, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing") 

Enter Mary with the babe in her arms in white 
cloth. The manger is flooded with light. 

Mary — 

Ah, Joseph husband, come hither anon; 

My child is born that is king of bliss. 

Ah, Joseph, husband, my child waxeth cold, 

And we have no fire to warm Him with. 
Joseph — 

Now in my arms I shall Him fold, 

King of all Kings, my field and my wold. 

The breath of the beasts will Him warm. 

(Singing ceases.) 

The Shepherds come from L. Two Angels appear 
on the hill. 

First Angel — 

Herdmen kind, dread ye nothing, 
Of this star that ye do see ; 
For this same morn God's Son is born, 
In Bethlehem of a maiden free. 



144 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Second Angel — 

Hie you hither in haste, 
It is His will ye shall Him see 
Lying in a crib of poor repast ; 
Yet of David's line come is He. 

The Shepherds enter the manger. Angels exeunt. 

First Shepherd — 

Hail, maid-mother, and wife so mild! 

As the angel said, so we have found, 

I have nothing to present thy child 

But my pipe; h.old, hold, take it in thy hand 

{Gives flute.) 
And now to honor thy glorious birth, 
Thou shalt have it to make thee mirth. 

The Shepherds kneel as soon as they enter manger. 
Before the First Shepherd gives Joseph the flute 
he plays upon it a little. 

Second Shepherd — 

Now, hail be thou, child and Thy dame, 

For in a poor lodging here art thou laid ; 

So the angel said, and told us Thy name. 

Here, take thou here the hat from my head. 

'Twill shield Thee from the weather. You'll not 
complain 

Of wind or sun, hail, snow or rain. 
Third Shepherd — 

Hail, be thou, Lord over water and lands, 

For Thy coming all will make mirth, 

Have here my mittens to put on Thy hands. 

Other treasure have I none to present Thee with. 
Mary — 

Now, herdmen kind, 

For your coming 

To my child shall I pray, 

As He is Heaven's king, 



GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 145 

To grant you His blessing. 
And may you win His bliss 
On your last day. 

(Shepherds go to rear and kneel.) 

Enter First Wise Man from L. He stands outside 
the door of the manger. 

First Wise Man — 

Yonder still the star I see! 

Now is He come us among 

As the prophets said it should be. 

They said a babe should be born 

Coming of the root of Jesse, 

To save mankind that was forlorn, 

And truly come now is He. 

{Stands on the hill.) 

Enter Second Wise Man from L. He stands at L. 

Second Wise Man — 

Yonder methinks a fair bright star I see, 
The which betokeneth the birth of a child, 
That hither is come to make man free 
Born of a maiden undefiled. 

(First Wise Man comes to meet him.) 
Hark, comely king, I you pray, 
Whither lies your journey? 
First Wise Man — 

To seek a child is my intent, 
Of whom the prophets have meant. 
The time is come, now He is sent, 
By yonder star I see. 

{They approach the manger at R.) 

Enter Third Wise Man from L. He stands at L. 

Third Wise Man — 

I ride wandering in ways wide, 
Over mountains and dales, I know not where 
I am. 



146 GOOD THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

Hail, comely kings augent ! 
Good sirs, I pray you, whither are ye meant? 
First Wise Man — 

To seek a child is our intent, 
I've followed yonder star. 
Second Wise Man — 

Presents we bring to the king, 
We've ridden from afar. 
Third Wise Man — 

Might I join your company? 
First Wise Man — 

Gladly. 
Third Wise Man — 

Yonder, brother, I see the star, 
Whereby I know He is not far; 
Therefore, lords, go we now 
Into this poor place. 

(They enter the manger and kneel.) 
First Wise Man — 

Hail, Lord, that all this world hath wrought, 

Albeit Thou liest poorly here. 
A cup full of gold have I Thee brought 
In tokening Thou art without peer. 
Second Wise Man — 

Hail be thou, Lord of high magnificence, 

In tokening of priesthood and dignity of office, 
To Thee I offer a cup full of incense ; 

For it behooveth Thee to have such sacrifice. 
Third Wise Man — 

Hail be thou, Lord long looked for! 

I have brought Thee myrrh for mortality ; 
In tokening Thou shalt mankind restore 
To life by Thy death upon a tree. 
(The hill is filled with Angels singing "Hark, the 
Herald Angels Sing/') 

Slowly the Curtain Descends. 



GOOD THINGS' 
FOR CHRISTMAS' 




TS.DMSON 

PUBLISHER CHICAGO 



Good Things tor 
Christmas 

By MARIE IRISH, 

This book is filled with new and Original ma= 
terial for Christmas, suitable for all ages. As 
the title implies, it is fairly teeming with good 
things in the entertainment line, and will fill 
the increasing demand for something new and 
novel. 

CONTENTS. 



Recitations and 
Monologues. " 
Aunt Hetty's Christmas Gifts. 
Baby's Stocking. 
Beautiful Garden of Toys. 
Before and After. 
Best Claus. 

Bureau of Christmas Infor- 
mation. 
Christmas Glee. 
Christmas Secret. 
Christmas Spirit. 
Christmas Story. 
Christmas Tree. 
Christmas Troubles. 
Christmas Weather. 
Curious Little Ted. 
Day After Christmas. 
Dolly's Presents. 
Father Time's Gift. 
Giving and Getting. 
Hanging Up the Stockings. 
Jolly December. 
Longest Day of the Year. 
Merry Christmas. 
Mr. Brown Returns Thanks. 
Mrs. Santa Claus. 
Peace on Earth. 
Ring Christmas Bells. 
Splendid Word. 

Price, Paper Cover, 



Stupid Book. 

Ted Goes Christmas Shopping 

Two Bys. 

Usual Way. 

What Then? 

Exercises, Dialogues, 
Drills, Tableaux and 
Scenic Readings, 
All Sorts of Children. 
Christmas. 

"Christmas Crazy" Class. 
Christmas Eve Pilgrimage. 
Christmas Lullaby. 
Christmas Patriot Drill. 
Christmas Quest. 
Christmas Stocking Tales. 
Christmas Thoughts. 
Christmas Wishes. 
Coming of Santa Claus. 
Favorite Month. 
Mistakes of Santa Claus. 
Most Noted Man. 
'Neath the Mistletoe. 
Star Drill. 
Stocking Drill. 
Trials at Headquarters. 
Two Views of Christmas. 
Unwise Men. 
Who Can Tell? 

Postpaid, 25 Cents 



Shadow Pictures 

PANTOMIMES, CHARADES, TABLEAUX, ETC. 
By SARAH L. STOCKING. 

In addition to the Shadow Pictures, consisting of comic scenes, 
illustrated proverbs, pantomimes, etc., the book contains directions 
for statuary and a picture gallery. The whole forms a choice rep- 
ertoire for schools, clubs, churches, etc. Full directions given for 
shadows, tableaux, etc. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 

T. S.~DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Children's Comic Dialogues 

By MARIE IRISH, 

Author of Many Successful Entertainment 

Books for Children from Six to Eleven 

Years of Age. 

CONTENTS (33 pieces): Adam, Eve and Ap- 
ples; Animals in the Circus; Birds, Trees and 
Flowers; Captain of the Ball Nine; Charlie 
Slasher's Mistake; Christmas Conundrums; 
City Ignorance; Class in Geography; A Coon 
Concert; A Daring Bicycler; Dreadful Boys; 
Feminine Bravery; Fishing Party; Foxy Grand- 
pa; Fred's Mistake; Friday Afternoon Compo- 
sitions; Getting Acquainted; Giving Aunt Jane a Shock; Hattie's 
Singing Lesson; How Girls Study; A Joker Joked; Keeping Store; 
Learning to Say Yes; Making a Cake; Neighborly Call; A Prome- 
nade; The Sewing Society; A Sick Pupil; The Spelling Lesson; 
Telling the Truth; Thanksgiving Dinner; Thanksgiving Spread; 
Where's My Cake. 




Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 



Catchy Comic Dialogues 



By MARIE IRISH, 

Original, Humorous Dialogues for Young 
People and Adults. 

CONTENTS (27 pieces): An Abandoned Baby; 
An April Fool Joke; At the Photographer's; 
Aunty Cheerful's Visit; Boarding House Tid- 
bits; Buying Eggs; Byron's Accident; A Capa- 
ble Servant; A Christmas Surprise; Enjoy the 
Telephone; Entertaining Sister's Beau; Get- 
ting Ready for a Visit; Getting Rid of an 
Agent; Interviewing Servant Girls; A Joker in 
Disgrace; The Joy ®f Receiving; A Minister's 
Mistake; Sending a Telegram; A Serenading Party; Social Diffi- 
culties; Society for the Suppression of Slang; The Stars and 
Stripes; A Thanksgiving Lesson; Thanksgiving Reminders; The 
Thanksgiving Spirit; The Train to Loontown; What's In a Name. 




Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



WINKLING FINGERS 
PES 




PRICE 25« 
T.S.DENISON 

PUBLISHER CHICAGO 



Twinkling Fingers and 
Swaying Figures 

By CLARA J. DENTON. 

Music by W. C. PARKER. 

Illustrated. 

A gem of a book. New finger and motion 
plays and songs. The best thing for the little 
ones ever issued at so low a price. The sub- 
jects are such as always interest children. The 
rhymes are simple and catchy. The music is 
easy and taking. There are six new tunes, and 
other pieces in the book are arranged to be 
sung to them, affording much variety. This 
is a book for the Home, the School, the Kin- 
dergarten, or Exhibitions. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 

Mother Goose's Goslings 

Play containing songs with music, by Elizabeth T. Gup till; 9 
girls, 7 boys. Time, 30 m. Easy to present. No scenery, cos- 
tumes simple. Children never tire of Mother Goose melodies, and 
never have they been better arranged for an entertainment. This 
is a lively little play, full of fun and sure to make a hit. 

Price, Postpaid, 15 Cents 

The Old Maids* Club 

Comic entertainment in one scene, by Marie Butterfield; 2 
males, 16 females. Time, about iy 2 hours. Costumes old-maidish 
and grotesque. The club is organized to secure husbands, and 
the recital of their adventures in the chase is very funny. Just 
the thing for a church or woman's club entertainment. Easy to 
produce and a money-maker. An evening of refined, hilarious fun. 

Price, Postpaid, 25 Cents 

The Gruff Judge and Happy 
Santa Claus 

Christmas cantata, libretto by Fanny E. Newberry, music by T. 
M. Towne; 6 males, 5 females. Chorus of boys and girls. Scenes: 
Simple interiors. Santa Claus (bass). Mrs. Fry, the Judge's house- 
keeper (soprano). Mrs. Manning, a poor widow (alto). Bessie, 
Maggie and Grace (soprano and alto). Judge Sterne (tenor). 
Zeke, his servant. Jamie, the widow's son. Harry (tenor). Joe, 
a boy. Costumes simple. A bright, clever plot and very pleasing 
music. 

Price, Postpaid, 30 Cents. Six Copies, $1.25 



T. S. DENISOIN & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Patriotic Celebrations 

By MARIE IRISH. 

There is an increasing- demand from schools 
for entertainment material suitable for Lin- 
coln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Decor- 
ation Day, Flag Day and many other patriotic 
occasions. The book is in prose and rhyme, 
both humor and pathos, and all instructive. 
Children in the schools are taught early the 
meaning of our patriotic days and what our 
flag means to us. Such a large number of our 
population are foreign born that it is a vital 
element of their education. Hardly a school en- 
tertainment is given or a program considered 
complete without its containing at least one patriotic number. 
The diversity of this book will appeal to any teacher, as it has 
always been difficult to find patriotic material other than recita- 
tions suitable for these occasions. It contains twenty-one Mono- 
logues and Recitations, ten Motion Songs and Song Pantomimes, 
twenty-six Exercises, Drills, Dialogues and Small Plays. All orig- 
inal matter. Miss Irish is one of the most successful entertainment 
writers of today, and her name as author is a sufficient recom- 
mendation of its merits. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 




Merry Little Dialogues 



By WILLIS N. BUGBEE. 




Thirty-eight original comic dialogues and plays 
for little people. The themes were inspired by 
the actual sayings and doings of children while 
at their tasks, in their plays and in their imi- 
tations of older people. They are of the na- 
ture that small folks love to learn and recite. 
The author has presented nearly every piece 
and his complete instructions on costumes, dec- 
oration of the stage and rehearsing is of ex- 
ceptional value. Contents: An Afternoon Tea; 
Bargain Hunters; The Best Plan; A Busy Morn- 
ing; Causes for Thankfulness; Choosing a Busi- 
ness; Christmas Letters; The Color Bearers; Fickle Fortune; The 
First Day of School; The First Shave; The Fresh Air Children; 
Getting Ready for the Picnic; A Good Trade; Green Apples; Johnny 
Reads the News; The Little Patriots' Club; The Little Pilgrim 
Maids; The Minister's Call; Mother Nature's Trick; A Narrow 
Escape; Nature Study; The New Servant; The Night Before Christ- 
mas at Sprigginses; Playing Truant; Raising Missionary Money; 
The Richest Family; The Scarecrow; The Sick Doll; Sissy; The 
Suffragettes; Teddy's Plans; Tending the Baby; A Test of Bravery; 
Washing Day; When the School Bell Rings; Who Made Thanks- 
giving; Writing a Letter. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Monologues for Young Folks 

By MAYME RIDDLE BITNEY e 

Fifty-four original, clever, humorous mono- 
logues for young people from six to sixteen or 
for monologists who impersonate children. The 
widespread popularity of monologues for adults 
has led to this book for children. Boys and 
girls are good imitators, and with limitations, 
can do what their elders can do, often surpris- 
ingly well. The popularity of monologues is not 
a passing fancy. A recitation may be a re- 
counting of incidents, but a monologue has ac- 
tion, it becomes alive and you are carried along 
with intense interest. A great variety of sub- 
jects. First Part Contains: An Address of Welcome; An Aspiring 
"Warbler; A Busy Housewife; Choosing a Piece; Closing Speech; 
A Confirmed Old Maid; Eli's Exclamative Escapade; A Fine Singer; 
Getting a History Lesson; In the Dark; Jack Tends the Baby; 
Jennie Entertains Sister's Beau; Johnny Takes a Trip; The Last 
Day of School; Mrs. Wiggins' Tea Party; My Rival; Sad Effect of 
Good Intentions; A Sewing Lesson; Sister Caroline's Speaking; 
A Small Boy's Troubles; That Terrible Tommy; Tom Speaks a 
Piece; Tom's Views on Ants; Trials of School Life; Wash Day; 
When Grandma Was Young. Also 28 Selections as Follows: For 
Washington's Birthday (4), For Arbor Day (4), For Memorial 
Day, Flag Day and Other Patriotic Occasions (3), For Thanksgiv- 
ing Day (8), For Christmas (9). 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 




Dialogues for District Schools 

By MARY L. MONAGHAN. 



TS.DENISOtU COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS CHICAGO 



Contains twenty-five original, humorous dia- 
logues. They were written with view of suit- 
ing all classes of children usually found in a 
country school, the large and small, the bright 
and those less gifted, the ones who seem nat- 
ural actors and those who dread to appear on 
the stage; hence in this collection a teacher 
can find a part adapted to each pupil. Con- 
tents: Arthur's Bravery; Aunt Laura's Choice; 
Aunt Matilda's Will; Aunt Nancy and the Mis- 
sionary Society; Behind the Sofa; Bertha as 
Teacher; Courtesy Is Always Best; Harry's 
Pockets; His Auntie's Darling; How Jimmy Saved Pa; How They 
Got Their Dinner; Jerry and Ice Cream; Lucinda's Mistake; Lucky 
Escape; Mischievous Mat+ie; Miss Ann Arbor; Moral Suasion; Mrs. 
Brown's Visitors; Pride Goeth Before a Fall; The Professor's Mis- 
take; Sue's Beau to Dinner; Teasing Aunt Chloe; The Whipping 
Johnny Didn't Get; Two Sides of a Question; Valentines. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 




T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 




Good Things for Thanksgiving 

By MARIE IRISH. 

As long as the years shall roll around, bring- 
ing us the ever welcome Thanksgiving Day, 
there will be a demand for material for Thanks- 
giving programs. Fifty-eight original Recita- 
tions, Monologues, Dialogues, Pantomimed Songs, 
Motion Songs, Drills and Plays. The great pop- 
ularity of ''Good things for Christmas" by the 
same author is a sufficient recommendation for 
this volume. It is exceptionally bright and 
clever and the selections cover all ages. 

CONTENTS. 



At Thanksgiving Time. 

Be Contented With Your Lot. 

Begone, Dull Care. 

Be Thankful. 

A Cheerful Caller. 

The City Maid's Poem. 

Columbia's Thanksgiving. 

Count Your Blessings. 

Dolly's Blessings. 

Dolly's Lesson. 

The Dreamer. 

Early Plymouth Days. 

Gather Autumn Treasures. 

Giving Thanks. 

The Golden Corn. 

Grandma's Soliloquy. 

Here's to Thanksgiving. 

In November. 

Jack Frost. 

Little Housekeepers. 

Lost in the Woods. 

Make-Believe Puritans. 

Miss Hepsy's Blessings. 

Mr. Turkey. 

November. 

November Can't Be Beat. 

November Is Here. 

November Sighing. 

The Old-Fashioned Cooking. 

One Thing I'm Thankful For. 

Price, Paper Cover, 



The Origin of Thanksgiving Day. 
A Pennant Drill. 
The Pilgrim Fathers. 
The Proud Turkeys. 
The Pumpkin. 
The Pumpkin Heads. 
Quotations. 
A Sad Discussion. 
A Sensible Boy. 
Some Noted Ps. 
The Story of the Pilgrims. 
Thanksgiving. 
Thanksgiving Day. 
Thanksgiving Hymn. 
Thanksgiving Wishes. 
A Thankful Boy. 
Thankful for the Flag. 
There Have Always Been Bless- 
ings. 
The Thompson's Turkey. 
Too Much Turkey. 
A Turkey Song. 
Ungrateful Children. 
A Welcome. 
What Mama Said. 
Why Be Thankful. 
Why We Should Be Thankful. 
Ye First Thanksgiving. 
Your Blessings. 

Postpaid, 25 Cents 



Private Theatricals 



By CHARLES TOWNSEND. 

Amateurs will find this book indispensable. It tells just what you 
want to know in brief space. It will enable you to give a suc- 
cessful entertainment instead of a failure. Scores of practical 
things are explained here which cannot be enumerated. This 
book is as necessary as the play itself to beginners. 

Price, Paper Cover, Postpaid, 25 Cents 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY. Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street. CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



M. F. 

Winning Widow, 2 acts, V/z hrs. 

(25c) 2 4 

Women Who Did, 1 hr...(25c) 17 

Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc. 

All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 

April Fools, 30 min , .. 3 

Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 

Divided Attentions, 35 min 1 4 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 

Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 
Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 

I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 2 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 

Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 

My Wife's Relations, 1 hr.... 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 

Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Second Childhood, 15 min.... 2 2 

Shadows, 35 min 2 2 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Turn Him Out, 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min . . 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 

Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 

Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 



Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 23 min 8 

Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, MON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO 

Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 

Coming Champion, 20 min. ... 2 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.14 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Darktown Fire Brigade, 25 min. 10 

Doings of a Dude, 20 min.... 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

For Reform, 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 

Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 

Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min. . 9 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Flome Run, 15 min 1 1 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 

Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 1 

Mischievous Nigger, 25 min ..42 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 1 

Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 

One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 

Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min . . 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min..... 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 

Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. 2 1 

Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 

Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 

Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 

Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella Mender, 15 min.... 2 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 2 

What Happened to Hannah, 15m. 1 1 



A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 



T.S.DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

I I 



POPULAR ENTERTAINS n n0H Hnn CH , . 

Price. Illustrated Papar Covn, [) \)£\ \\j\J Q 1 1\ Q 




IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 
A Partial List 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetrv. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all apes 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, pros e, 
poetry. 15 .Nos., per I\o. 25c' 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 1 1 vears. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidavs. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

TTow to put on plavs. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel: for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump spe 'eh< 
Laughland^vla the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun torn 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the husiri 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jok^s, 

Large Illustrated Catalogue ¥f 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



